In Case You Were Curious...About Pistachios
February 26, 2018
The Bottom Line: Some fun facts about pistachios to munch on!
The Full Story:
- Just about all – to the tune of 98% – of the pistachios produced in the United States are from California. Iran is the largest producer of pistachios in the world.
- Pistachios are one of the oldest flowering nut trees, and are one of the only two nuts mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 43:11). Humans have eaten pistachio nuts for at least 9,000 years.
- According to legend, pistachios were featured in the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built about 700 B.C. by King Nebuchadnezzar for his wife Amytis.
- In the first century A.D., Emperor Vitellius introduced Rome to the pistachio. Apicius, Rome’s Julia Child of the first century, includes pistachios in his classical cookbook.
- Perhaps a true royal nut, the Queen of Sheba loved pistachios. In fact, she demanded that the entire region’s pistachio harvest be set aside for her.
- Pistachios are related to the mango and the spice sumac.
- In China the pistachio is known as “the happy nut” and in Iran as “the smiling nut.” Often given as a gift during the Chinese New Year, pistachios are a symbol of health, happiness and good fortune.