Pistachios are predominantly natives of the Middle East, America and Central Asia. They are grown on small tender trees, under warm arid conditions. The pistachio being a smooth twin-shelled nut, housing a small oval, green kernel. Pistachios can be eaten raw, by removing the kernel from its shell. They are much used as a colouring and flavouring for a wide range of foods, some savoury and many sweets including nougat and ice cream.