National Pistachio Day

The story

Pistachios have a rich history, believed to be one of the oldest cultivated nuts, dating back over 9,000 years! These nuts were grown in the famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon around 700 BC and are one of the only two nuts mentioned in the Old Testament, with references from around 500 BC.

In ancient times, pistachios were so highly valued that the Queen of Sheba allegedly forbade commoners from growing them, saving them exclusively for royalty. By the 1st century AD, the Romans introduced them to Europe, and by the 1800s, they arrived in the U.S., thanks to immigrants with Middle Eastern roots.

For a time, pistachios were dyed red to hide imperfections, leading to red-stained fingers. By the 1980s, the dye was dropped, and pistachios began being sold in their natural, green hue.

Pistachios are not just a snack—they’re used in desserts like baklava, ice cream, and Watergate salad. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, they’re also linked to better heart health, improved digestion, and blood sugar regulation.