Raw pistachios have a medium thick to thick protective, slightly meaty hull that ranges in texture from papery to a smooth, dense coating that is light yellow in color with a pink blush. The edible skin has a citrus aroma with an acidic taste. This skin surrounds a hard, inedible shell, which contains the raw pistachio seed; light green in coloring with a mild pistachio flavor. Unripe pistachios have more tannins than ripe pistachios producing a slightly bitter, yet mildly sweet taste.