National Pistachio Day (February 26)

ByClare Brown Updated on
Pistachios on white background

National Pistachio Day on February 26 is a great excuse to snack guilt-free and finally justify buying the good pistachios.

Whether you like them roasted and salted, tossed into salads, or baked into desserts, this tiny green nut packs a surprising amount of flavor and history. And since it’s one of February’s weirder food holidays, it’s a fun one to lean into.

When is the Holiday?

It’s celebrated every year on February 26. It’s the perfect mid-winter snack day when cozy foods and crunchy treats still feel very necessary.

Who Invented It?

There’s no confirmed founder behind National Pistachio Day. It likely started as a promotional holiday created by growers and food brands to highlight the nut’s health benefits and versatility.

The History of the Holiday

Pistachios have been enjoyed for thousands of years, with roots in the Middle East and Central Asia.

They were first cultivated around 7,000 BC and quickly became a prized food. In Iran, pistachios are called the “smiling nut,” while in China they’re known as the “happy nut,” both referencing the naturally split shell.

Legend says pistachios were a favorite of the Queen of Sheba, who declared them a royal food reserved for her court.

They reached Europe through trade routes and later arrived in the U.S. in the late 1800s with Middle Eastern immigrants. Today, California produces nearly all pistachios grown in the United States.

pistacchios

Fun Facts About Pistachios

  1. Pistachio trees take up to 10 years before producing nuts
  2. California grows more pistachios than any other place in the world
  3. Ancient Persians saw pistachios as a symbol of wealth
  4. Pistachios are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamin B6
  5. Shells were once dyed red to hide blemishes before modern processing
  6. Pistachios are one of the lowest-calorie nuts per serving.

Coloring Page

This free pistachio coloring page is a fun, low-prep activity for kids learning about food holidays or healthy snacks.

National Pistachio Day Coloring Page
Pistachio Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

  • Make pistachio butter at home – Blend roasted pistachios until smooth for a naturally sweet spread. Add a drizzle of honey or pinch of sea salt to customize the flavor. It’s great on toast, pancakes, or apple slices.
  • Bake something pistachio-flavored – Try cookies, muffins, or loaf cake. Pistachios add both color and crunch, and they pair especially well with white chocolate, orange zest, or rosewater.
  • Host a pistachio tasting – Grab a few varieties, salted, honey-roasted, chili-lime, garlic, and rate them with friends or family. It’s a fun way to discover new favorites.
  • Learn how pistachios are grown – Watch a short farm video or read about harvesting season. Pistachios grow in clusters like grapes, which surprises most people.
  • Use them in savory meals – Crush pistachios to coat chicken or fish, sprinkle them over salads, or mix into rice dishes for texture and flavor.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

Pistachio Cheesecake – A creamy dessert with a crunchy pistachio crust and smooth filling. Rich without being overpowering.

Pistachio Pesto – A nutty twist on classic pesto using pistachios instead of pine nuts. Great on pasta, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.

Pistachio Crusted Chicken – Juicy chicken coated in crushed pistachios for a crunchy, flavorful crust that feels restaurant-worthy.

Pistachio Ice Cream – Homemade with real pistachio paste for a deep, authentic nut flavor instead of artificial coloring.

Pistachio Macarons – Delicate French cookies filled with pistachio cream. Perfect for special occasions or gifts.

Pistachio Biscotti – Twice-baked and crunchy, ideal for dunking into coffee or tea.

Pistachio Baklava – Layers of flaky pastry filled with pistachios and soaked in honey syrup. Sweet, sticky, and totally worth it.

bowl of dried pistachios

Links to Resources

Related Holidays

  • National Peanut Butter Day (January 24) – Celebrates another protein-packed pantry staple, perfect for toast, baking, and smoothies.
  • National Peanut Brittle Day (January 26) – A crunchy candy holiday honoring classic nut brittle recipes.
  • World Nutella Day (February 5) – Dedicated to the iconic chocolate hazelnut spread loved worldwide.
  • National Almond Day (February 16) – Spotlights another versatile nut used in both sweet and savory cooking.
  • National Walnut Day (May 17) – Celebrates walnuts and their heart-healthy benefits in baking and salads.

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National Pistachio Day - February 26