Flavour Profile: Pistachio Gelato
Each month, we’ll be highlighting one of our gelato flavours and telling the story behind the recipe. This month we’re looking at Pistachio – one of our most bestsellers (and a flavour in February’s Pint Club!).
One of the reasons we started Beau’s was our frustration at the limited availability of quality plant-based ice cream in the UK – and a general sense that there was a huge range of amazing flavours found around the world that hadn’t ever made it to our shores.
As a result, when we started creating our gelato recipes, Pistachio was one of the first flavours that we reached for. Having learnt our gelato making knowledge in Bologna, we wanted to create a selection of flavours that gave a nod to the Italian classics – and a light, delicate Pistachio gelato is the epitome of this.
The slightly salty aspect of Pistachio gelato complements perfectly with the rest of our range; the refined, elegant flavour that comes for using whole pistachio nuts. This is paired with the rich, creaminess of our cashew milk base to offer both sweet and savoury aspects, resulting in a complex and unique taste profile.
Key Ingredient: Pistachio Nuts
Disappointingly, most Pistachio ice cream isn’t actually made with pistachios at all; instead, manufacturers will often use almond paste as a substitute to approximate the taste, combined with a green food colouring.
As well as being cheaper, almond paste has a stronger taste – meaning it is less affected by the addition of additives and additional ingredients (such as eggs). Creating an authentic gelato with Pistachio is much harder, as you need to ensure that the subtle flavour of the pistachio nuts can cut through without being overcome by the other components in the ice cream.
At Beau’s we make our gelato with the whole pistachio nut and keep the recipe incredibly simple – adding only water, cashews, unrefined cane sugar, a pinch of salt (and guar gum as a thickener). The result is a light, understated flavour with a natural pale green hue (no need for food colourings here!).
As pistachios are only grown in a few places around the world (the major countries being Iran, the USA, China and Turkey), they are a relatively expensive nut to source. Because of this the pistachio market is sensitive to regular price fluctuations, so we work with a number of suppliers in different growing regions to ensure we get the best possible price while supporting ethical and organic growing practices.
What people say about our Pistachio gelato
One of our top sellers in retail, our Pistachio gelato is a Great Taste Award winner, having been entered in the same category as dairy ice creams. Here is what a few of our customers have said about this suave, sophisticated gelato:
“This flavour is the reason I subscribed [to Beau’s Pint Club]! If I see it at a retailer, I’ll grab it.”
“My absolute favourite flavour!”
“My partner was sceptical about the pistachio, but I’m happy to report that he loved it & is now a pistachio gelato lover!”
“I hadn’t eaten pistachio gelato for years! It was divine, I’m so happy I subscribed to this [subscription] box.”
Recipe Ideas for Pistachio Gelato
Vegan Chocolate Brownies
Chocolate + Pistachio = a match made in heaven. Try pairing the delicate taste of Pistachio gelato with the rich gooeyness of plant-based chocolate brownies (find the recipe here).
Cold Brew Affogato
More typically associated with light flavours such as vanilla or praline, a scoop of pistachio can be substituted to create a delicious twist on this sophisticated beverage. (find the recipe here)
Chunky Vegan Blondies
The soft and buttery flavour of blondies complements the light and subtle flavour of pistachio perfectly – plus they are super easy to make! (find the recipe here)
Vegan Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
One of the all-time great ice cream recipes, a cookie sandwich is the perfect way to serve several gelato flavours – and Pistachio is no exception. (you can find the recipe here)