Pistachio Granella 2/4 mm — 1 kg bag, case of 10 (10 kg)
Pistachio Granella MIO is a calibrated pistachio chop in the 2-4 mm size range, supplied in 1 kg bags packed in modified atmosphere, with 10 bags per case (total 10 kg). The pistachio is sourced from California (USA), the world's leading pistachio-growing region, where the Kerman cultivar dominates production with its large green seed, light colour and delicate, sweetly nuanced flavour. The 2/4 mm calibration makes this product the ideal companion for pastry decoration, gelato mantecation, brioche topping and praline applications where the pistachio must be visible, crunchy and uniform.
What is pistachio granella
Granella is the Italian pastry term for a calibrated nut chop intermediate between whole grain and powder. The 2-4 mm size is the food service standard for visible decoration: large enough to deliver crunch and aroma at the bite, small enough to adhere uniformly to creams, doughs and ice cream surfaces. The production process is mechanical: shelled pistachios are sorted by colour, optionally peeled (steam or dry), cut by rotary blades, sieved through 2-4 mm screens and packed under modified atmosphere or vacuum to slow the natural oxidation of the unsaturated fats.
The origin — California
California produces approximately 45-50% of the world's pistachios, concentrated in the Central Valley counties of Fresno, Madera, Kern and Tulare. The dominant cultivar is Kerman — a variety selected for its large kernel size, hard shell that opens naturally at harvest, light green to yellow colour and delicate, mildly sweet flavour. The main industrial actors are Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds (Paramount Farms, Resnick Group, approximately 60% of US production), Setton Pistachio, Horizon Nut Company and Primex. The harvest takes place between late August and October.
California Kerman vs Pistachio of Bronte DOP
The Bronte DOP (Sicily) pistachio is a different and complementary product: the Napoletana cultivar grown on the volcanic soils of Etna, producing a smaller elongated seed, intense green colour from high chlorophyll content, deep resinous aroma and a wholesale price typically 60-90 EUR per kg shelled. The California Kerman pistachio is a volume product: 22-32 EUR per kg wholesale for natural 2/4 mm granella, ideal where the pistachio is a decorative or supporting ingredient. The MIO Granella must NOT be presented as a Bronte DOP product or used in recipes that legally require Bronte DOP.
Professional uses
1) Cake and semifreddi decoration: sprinkle 80-100 g per 8-portion cake for an external coating, edge band or top sprinkle. 2) Gelato mantecation: add 30-50 g per kg of base to deliver visible pistachio bits in the scooping texture. 3) Brioche and cornetti topping: lightly press into the glaze before baking for a pistachio-glazed sweet roll. 4) Croccante and pistachio brittle: bind with caramelized sugar at 165 C for praline bars. 5) Cremoso al pistacchio: incorporate 150-200 g per kg into a pate a bombe base for a deep pistachio flavour bomboniere or pralines filling.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not represent the product as Bronte DOP: it is California pistachio and must be labelled accordingly. Do not use 2/4 mm granella for pesto al pistacchio: pesto needs finer 0/2 mm or paste. Do not store the open bag outside its modified-atmosphere wrap: pistachio oils oxidize rapidly, generating rancid notes within weeks. Do not toast the granella before use in raw or semi-cold applications: tossing in oven brings out aroma but darkens the colour and may overpower the delicate flavour.
Storage and shelf life
Store in a cool, dry place at less than 20 C and below 60% relative humidity, away from direct light. Shelf life approximately 12 months from packaging when sealed in modified atmosphere. Once opened, transfer to an airtight container and consume within 6 months for best freshness; the product can be frozen at -18 C for up to 18 months for long-term preservation of aroma and colour.
Distribution and Logistics across Switzerland
LAPA delivers dry nut ingredients throughout Switzerland: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lugano, Lucerne, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Biel, Sion, Fribourg and across the Italian-speaking Ticino region. For Cantons outside our direct fleet coverage we rely on Swiss Post, Planzer, Galliker and Camion Transport for B2B and B2C deliveries to pastry shops, gelaterie, hotels, restaurants, chocolatiers, bakeries, Italian gastronomies and private customers.
Who it is for
Pastry shops and pasticcerie, gelaterie and ice cream laboratories, hotel pastry departments, chocolatiers and praline makers, bakeries producing sweet leavened goods, and ho.re.ca operators looking for a volume-oriented pistachio ingredient with consistent colour and grain size. The 1 kg bag is ideal for everyday production; the case of 10 (10 kg) suits high-throughput laboratories and gelateria seasonal runs.
