Pistachio Color – The Shade of Green That’s Gaining Popularity

If you love nuts and seeds, then you will most probably have eaten the popular pistachio nut. Have you ever taken a closer look to see what colors make up the pistachio and wondered why it is this color?  So, what color is pistachio? To answer these questions and to find out a few more interesting facts about the color, read further to discover everything about the pistachio color!

What Color Is Pistachio?

Most describe the pistachio color as a strong yellowish green, meaning it is a shade of green that has a yellow undertone. In color theory, yellow, along with orange and red, are considered warm colors, while green and blue are both considered cool colors. This makes the pistachio color a warm green that can work in a color scheme as both a warm and cool hue, depending on what colors you combine with it.

Below is the graphic representation of the pistachio color, with its identifying hex code. In this case, the color can be described as a slightly desaturated green.

You will also find the color codes for different purposes, both codes provide the breakdown of what colors make pistachio green. The RGB code is used in computer graphics, while the CMYK color code is used for printing purposes. So, you will see how much red, green, and blue is used, or how much cyan, magenta, and yellow is used in producing color.

Pistachio Color: A Brief History

The color green itself has a long history, a lot of it involving some fairly toxic pigments that were used until synthetic versions were created. The pistachio has been around for millennia, and it is said to have originated in the Middle East or Iran. Archeologists have found pistachio nuts that are over 8000 years old in Iran, as well as pistachio nuts in England that can be dated to about 2000 years ago. The vibrant, yet soft green color originates from the pistachio nut. When looking at the pistachio, you will notice the shell, which is usually a beige color, while the inside part that we eat is where the pistachio color comes from.

Pistachios are not really nuts but are seeds that are the particular pistachio green and can also contain a bit of purple.

The green color is caused by the chlorophyll the seed contains, a green pigment found in many other vegetables and fruits. Chlorophyll provides the shade of green, but it also plays an important role in photosynthesis. Pistachios are also part of the cashew family and are considered very healthy to eat as they are a complete protein and contain all the necessary amino acids.

In the past, pistachios have been a luxury food and remain so today, as they are quite expensive. Pistachios can be used in a wide variety of dishes and are commonly found in various Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, for example, baklava. However, you can also find pistachios in many dishes worldwide, for example, pistachio ice cream.

Meaning of the Pistachio Color

The pistachio color can be categorized as a lighter shade of green, so it has a certain freshness to it that can be associated with spring and new beginnings. Many associated pistachio green with optimism, hope, harmony, and compassion. In some cultures, pistachios are symbols of happiness, health, and good luck, and are sometimes given as gifts on special occasions. The pistachio is celebrated as the “happy nut” in places like China.

Different Shades of Pistachio

There are a few varieties of pistachio green that range from brighter shades to paler or pastel shades. As you can see below in the table, you can see the brighter pistachio green that contains more yellow and the lighter and greener version below it. We have also included a pastel pistachio green that can be described as more of a light grayish green.

If you are using lighter and darker shades of these versions of pistachio green, you can create an appealing monochromatic color combination.

Pistachio Color Combinations

We have determined that pistachio green is a warm green color, which makes it quite versatile in application. Pistachio green can go with pale or pastel colors, or it can also be paired with more vibrant colors. As with most colors, neutral hues, such as white, gray, black, brown, and cream work harmoniously with pistachio green. However, if you want a bit more color, you still need to create color schemes that are balanced, so let us look at a few of the more common color combinations.

Complementary Pistachio Color Combinations

A complementary color scheme involves contrasting colors that are found on opposite ends of the color wheel. If you want to make a statement or add pops of color to your palette, using a complementary color scheme is a good idea. You also have split complementary colors, which are the colors that sit on either side of the original complementary color.

Try to create balance when using these types of combinations by choosing a base color, and then using the other hues as pops of color or accents.

In the case of our chosen pistachio green, which you can find in the table below, its complementary color is a beautiful slightly desaturated violet. Since pistachio green is a warm green and leans towards yellow, you can also try pairing it with a cooler and bolder blue to add some excitement to the color scheme. If you want a more harmonious look, try pairing pistachio with a pastel blue.

Does Orange Go With Pistachio Green?

Orange and pistachio green can make a dramatic pairing, especially if it is bright orange. Since this can create quite an energetic look and feel, use these colors in smaller quantities, or change the shade of the orange to a lighter or pastel orange for a more comforting look.

Analogous Pistachio Green Color Combinations

All analogous colors have similar characteristics and are located next to one another on the color wheel. The combination provides an appealing look that is easier to work with than contrasting colors. So, you can consider using various shades of green and yellow, for example, the dark khaki and the iguana green. However, you can experiment with different shades for all of these colors.

Triadic Pistachio Color Combinations

This color combination is again contrasting and should be handled in a similar way as the complementary colors. Again, you can choose more vibrant shades or consider pastel hues for a calmer look. Consider using shades of red and blue with pistachio green to create this color combination. This means you can choose a shade of pink as well or go bolder with a darker navy blue.

Can You Mix Pistachio Color Acrylic Paint?

There are a few variations of pistachio green paint you can purchase. However, you can also use primary colors or specific blue and yellow paints. It is important to know that you can get warm and cool yellows and blues. This means that the color has a certain undertone that provides a color bias.

Since green is ultimately a cool color, consider using a cool yellow, such as lemon yellow to get a closer match to pistachio green.

You can then mix in Prussian blue, which is also a cool color that has a green undertone. If you wish to create brighter shades, simply add more yellow. However, if you wish to lighten the pistachio green, you can mix in some white paint.

Pistachio Color in Interior Design

Pistachio can easily be used as a brighter shade of green that you can use as an accent. However, the lighter shades of pistachio green can also be applied in the same way as you would neutrals. This means that you can use it as your main color and paint all the walls. So, pay attention to the tone and you can create color schemes that are fresh, welcoming, and can fit any home interior style.

Pistachio green can be used in any room of the home, from the bedroom and the bathroom to living areas and even the kitchen. As with all shades of green, pistachio works wonderfully with natural elements like wood.

A darker or more vibrant pistachio hue can be used to create an intriguing accent wall, together with a neutral color palette. Create a layered look with various green shades that include pistachio. To do this, you can bring in different textures and accessories, such as throws, patterned rugs, and cushions. Pistachio green is a fairly easy color you can play around with to create the interior design you are looking for. 

Even though pistachio green might not be the first type of green you consider, it is becoming more and more popular as a choice for home décor. This is because it is easy to work with and is quite versatile. So, if you are looking for a shade of green for your next interior design project, pistachio green is something you might want to consider!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Color Is Pistachio?

Pistachio green is a type of yellowish green that is considered a warm green because of its yellow undertone. There are a few varieties when it comes to pistachio, offering darker and lighter options.

What Colors Work Well With Pistachio Green?

Neutral colors like white, black, brown, gray, beige, and cream naturally work well with pistachio. Other shades of yellow and green create a harmonious combination, while different shades of orange, violet, red, and blue create a contrast, and should be used carefully when developing a color scheme.

Is the Pistachio Color Trending in 2023?

Many would agree that pistachio green is a color that is popping up everywhere. It is especially a trend in the food industry, not only the color but the pistachio nut itself as an ingredient in all types of foods. You might also see a trend in fashion with pistachio-colored shoes and handbags. Of course, it is also becoming very popular as an interior design color choice.

Charlene Lewis( Content Creator and Creativity Writer )

In 2005, Charlene completed her Wellness Diplomas in Therapeutic Aromatherapy and Reflexology from the International School of Reflexology and Meridian Therapy. She worked for a company offering corporate wellness programs for a couple of years, before opening up her own therapy practice. It was in 2015 that a friend, who was a digital marketer, asked her to join her company as a content creator, and this is where she found her excitement for writing.

Since joining the content writing world, she has gained a lot of experience over the years writing on a diverse selection of topics, from beauty, health, wellness, travel, and more. Due to various circumstances, she had to close her therapy practice and is now a full-time freelance writer. Being a creative person, she could not pass up the opportunity to contribute to the Art in Context team, where is was in her element, writing about a variety of art and craft topics. Contributing articles for over three years now, her knowledge in this area has grown, and she has gotten to explore her creativity and improve her research and writing skills.

Charlene Lewis has been working for artincontext.org since the relaunch in 2020. She is an experienced writer and mainly focuses on the topics of color theory, painting and drawing.

Learn more about Charlene Lewis and the Art in Context Team.