Pistachio Day

Pistachio Day is February 26th

Pistachio Day is the day to celebrate and eat this popular nut. It is a great day to get yourself a bag and enjoy this healthy food. 

Feeling a little nutty?

Pistachios are the one

History and Facts about Pistachios

Pistachios were originally grown in the Middle East. Pistachios are mentioned in the Old Testament (Genesis 43:11). In Persia (modern day Iran), pistachio trade and ownership of pistachio groves were meant for the upper classes socially. Legend has it that pistachios were a favorite of the Queen of Sheba, who demanded all her land’s production for herself and her court. Through the conquests of Alexander the Great (334-323 BC), pistachios reached Greece. Also, under the rule of the Roman Emperor Tiberius (First Century AD), the pistachio was introduced into Italy and Spain. During the 1880s, imported pistachios were popular in the U.S. The U.S. pistachio industry had its first commercial crop of 1.5 million pounds (680 tons), in 1976 to the record 2016 crop of over 900 million pounds (408,233 metric tons). California, Arizona, and New Mexico represent 100 percent of the U.S. commercial pistachio production. California comprises 99 percent of the total, with over 312,000 acres planted throughout 22 counties. There are 950 producers in the United States, and the annual “farm gate value” of pistachios represents more than $1.6 billion to the California economy and more than $16 million to the states of Arizona and New Mexico.

9 Benefits of Eating Pistachios

• Loaded With Nutrients
• High in Antioxidants
• Low in Calories Yet High in Protein
• May Help You Lose Weight
• Promote Healthy Gut Bacteria
• May Lower Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
• May Benefit Your Blood Vessels
• May Help Lower Blood Sugar

Nuts About Pistachio Facts

Pistachios get their purple and green hue from the antioxidants in them.
Pistachios are related to the mango and spicy sumac
All pistachio shells are naturally beige in color. Some companies dye nuts red or green if nuts are inferior or for consumer demand.

Recipes Made with Pistachios

• Miso Carmel Apple
• Pistachio and Cherry Biscotti
• Pistachio and Goat Cheese Cheese Ball
• Lemon, Raspberry and Pistachio Cake

So grab a handful of pistachios, and keep pushing through your Wednesday (hump day), two days until the weekend!