Pistachios are capable of spontaneous combustion, experts warn

Pistachios are an ancient delicacy that people have been enjoying for several millennia. They are known for their bright green color, delicate taste and crunchy texture. However, as it turned out, these small nuts can hide some dangers.

Recently, information about the potential spontaneous combustion of pistachios appeared on the Reddit website. According to users, these nuts can catch fire on their own if they become wet. But how true is it?

First, let's look at the technical side of the issue. Pistachios are not really nuts in the usual sense of the word. They are "bones", as they are a fruit containing a shell, inside which there is a seed. It is also worth noting that these are not the only nuts capable of spontaneous combustion. All nuts with a high fat content can become a source of danger in humid conditions.

The danger of spontaneous combustion of pistachios is associated with their high fat content. When interacting with moisture, hydrolytic/enzymatic breakdown of fat occurs, which leads to the release of heat and the formation of carbon dioxide and water. This process can lead to a chain reaction when water reaches other pistachios, causing them to self-ignite.

The German Transport Information Service (TIS) explains that self-heating pistachios is an extremely energetic process, since the heat release from breathing exceeds the heat release from breathing carbohydrates. Pistachios require only a small amount of moisture to self-ignite, so good ventilation and humidity control must be provided during storage and transportation of nuts.

All nuts with a high fat content can become a source of ignition in humid conditions. It is important to take precautions when storing and transporting nuts to avoid potential problems. After all, no one wants their favorite nuts to turn into small explosive devices.