The demand for American pistachios in India is rapidly increasing as consumers become more aware of their health benefits. To promote the use of American pistachios in Indian cuisine, the Indian office of American Pistachios Growers (APG) organized a virtual cook-off on April 4, 2023.
American Pistachio Growers is a non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers, member processors and industry stakeholders in California, Arizona and New Mexico.
The virtual cook-off, named “Jugalbandi,” brought together two highly respected chefs – Chef Martin Yan and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor – who used American pistachios in their cooking to demonstrate their versatility and unique flavor.
The live cooking demonstration was a popular event that attracted a diverse audience, including food and lifestyle media, lifestyle influencers, chefs, culinary students, and hundreds of fans from all over India.
Chef Martin Yan has a career spanning more than four decades and is a global brand ambassador of American Pistachio Growers. He has traveled worldwide, sharing his extensive culinary knowledge and tips for personal enrichment with audiences from multiple generations.
Chef Yan’s diverse culinary expertise and award-winning experiences span several continents, shaped by his work on over 3,500 culinary and travel TV shows, 32 cookbooks, and several restaurants in North America and Asia.
He is also the host of the popular show Yan Can Cook… So Can You, which has been airing for 44 years. Chef Yan’s efforts have been recognized with multiple James Beard Awards throughout his career, including the prestigious lifetime achievement award in 2022.
During the virtual cook-off, Chef Martin Yan said “Singing the praise of American-grown pistachios comes to me naturally. Their rich taste, texture, nutritional value, and beautiful pistachio-green color make pistachios the perfect ingredient for any global cuisine, and certainly in my Asian dishes. “I’m excited to show food lovers around the world that they can cook like Yan with American pistachios!”
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is a renowned figure in the world of Indian cuisine, widely regarded as one of its most celebrated ambassadors. He has authored over 150 cookbooks and has been the recipient of numerous culinary awards, including the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 2017 and the National Award for Best Chef of India.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is also known for his pioneering work in food media, having launched the first Indian food channel, Food Food, and hosted the popular Khanna Khazana show for over 17 years. He enjoys immense popularity both within India and abroad, and has been ranked among the top 100 most trusted Indians.
Speaking on the occasion Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said “Pistachios are not new for Indians. However, we have been using them mostly as a garnish on Mithais, Biryani’s etc. It is only in the last few years that Indians have started to snack on pistachios and American pistachios stand out because of their quality, consistency, and food safety. They are also one of my favorite ingredients to work with in the kitchen and add a unique flavor, texture, and nutritional value to any dish. Whether you are using them in a savory dish or a dessert, American pistachios are a versatile and flavorful ingredient and I highly recommend trying in your cooking.”
Mr. Sumit Saran, Indian representative of APG moderated the session and said that, “India is a growth market for American pistachios. India itself does not produce any pistachios. However, as awareness about pistachios and its health benefits increase, we are seeing continuous growth in demand for American pistachios.”
American pistachios are widely available in India through major e-commerce platforms and dry fruit retailers. You can easily find them by searching or asking for “California pistachios” and choose from the various brands that sell them.