June 14th, 2019
PISTACHIO & CHOCOLATE – the taste of a garden paradise
Pistachio Chocolate Cup – A Babylonian Delight
Melt is launching two new fresh chocolates to celebrate the amazing pistachio. Melt’s chocolate bonbon is based on Nebuchadnezzar’s tiara, topped with an emerald gem. A chocolate crown topped with the beautiful pistachio itself. Nebuchadnezzar filled his Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with pistachio trees. These beautiful gardens were built on a series of luscious green terraces to honor his wife, and remind her of the verdant mountains of her homeland. Melt’s milk chocolate cup is topped with pistachio and filled with crunchy pistachio praline. The taste will transport you to the garden paradise of Babylon, one of the wonders of the world.
The story of the Pistachio Tree
The pistachio tree is an ancient desert tree, which legend states was grown in the hanging gardens of Babylon. The trees look like an olive tree and can grow up to 300 years old. They thrive in desert environments, needing long, hot summers for the proper ripening of their fruit. Pistachios are consistently more expensive than most other nuts because it can take 15-20 years for the pistachio tree to reach their full-fruit bearing potential.
Is the Pistachio a nut? – What is the difference between a fruit and a nut?
There is no botanical difference between fruits and nuts. Science considers a nut to be exactly the same as fruit. Simply, these are two of mother nature’s strategies for protecting its seeds – either a fleshy shell or a hard shell, both of which are defined as “fruits”. The botanical definition of a “fruit” is the “mature ovary” of any flower, plant, or tree, that is created to protect its seeds.
Common terminology states a hard shell equals a “nut” and soft flesh equals a “fruit”. Defining a nut, as a fruit that is filled with one seed, protected by a hard outer shell. While fruits are considered to be soft and contain seeds, capable of becoming a fruit-bearing plant.
Confused? The pistachio is actually a member of the cashew family. Cashews are not nuts but seeds of the cashew apple. The pistachio is actually the seed of the pistachio tree. Chocolate – is even more confused, its called a bean or a nut when it really is a fruit!! Peanuts are not nuts at all – they are legumes. Walnuts are another seed masquerading as a nut. However, the humble hazelnut – which makes up our gianduja is the real thing- a real nut!!
Crunchy Pistachio Square
Our famous salted chocolate square, now comes with Pistachio. These are squares of crunchy feuilletine, a fine French wafer, enrobed in smooth milk chocolate perfectly balanced with flakes of Maldon Sea Salt and infused with real pistachios. A real Babylonian delight.
Health Benefits -Superfood Seed
Pistachios are a nutritionally rich food and a source of protein, dietary fiber and especially vitamin B6. They are an excellent source of antioxidants, including lutein and beta-carotene, making pistachios a great way to reap some of the oxidative damage-fighting effects. Pistachios also contain Phosphorus which is an element essential for our proper physiological functioning. Getting enough phosphorus is believed to energize your cells and strengthen the bones.
“Favourite experience in London” – Make your own Salted Praline
Make your own chocolate Salted Praline – guided by our world-class chocolatiers. This course is loved by locals and celebrities alike. A unique experience in London and a new skill to acquire. Our classes are described by clients as their “best experience in London” or my “favourite London experience”. Tasting loads of chocolate in a beautiful boutique in the Heart of Notting Hill, close to the world famous Portobello road. You will make delicious fresh chocolates in an authentic artisan kitchen. You can take them home and show your friends and family. Melt believes there is no experience like this in London – the chance to make your very own fresh chocolates and take them home to share with your friends.
A fresh chocolate is like nothing else…it is truly sublime. All our recipes are designed in-house by the Melt chocolatiers. So come and see our kitchen in our store which is a hub of creative activity. The Melt team handmakes truffles on a daily basis to ensure you have delicious, fresh chocolates.
Our store appeals to all the senses: sight, touch, smell and of course taste. Watching chocolate being made is fascinating and the smell is intoxicating.