Home » February » National Pistachio Day (February 26)

National Pistachio Day (February 26)

Check out the weird holiday National Pistachio Day on February 26. Learn the history of pistachios, and get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on February 26 is National Pistachio Day. Check out the other weird February holidays!

History of National Pistachio Day

Pistachios originate in the Middle East and central Asia, and they are known as the “smiling nut” in Iran and the “happy nut” in China. Evidence suggests pistachios were being eaten in Turkey around 7,000 BC. Some places in Iran claim to have 700 year-old pistachio trees!

The pistachio tree is commonly believed to have been brought to Greece by the army of Alexander the Great. From there, it was traded throughout Europe as an expensive delicacy.

In the 1880s, Middle Eastern immigrants brought pistachios to the United States, which is now the world’s largest producer of this nut. California produces approximately 300 million pounds per year, which is 98% of America’s production.

Originally, pistachio shells were dyed red or green to hide their defects, but modern harvesting technology makes the coloring unnecessary. They are actually naturally beige in color, and they split open when they are right.

Pistachios are very healthy and a great source of fiber, copper, vitamin B6, proteins, and vitamin D.

The Jylgyndy Forest Reserve in Kyrgyzstan was created to conserve the pistachio tree. These trees grow up to about 20 feet tall and thrive in high heat with little rain. A new tree takes between 7-10 years to grow mature enough to produce fruit.

Pistachio nuts are one of the main ingredients in sweets from the Middle East, and Italy uses pistachios to make spumoni and pistachio gelato.

Ideas for National Pistachio Day

Pin it!

Share this post about pistachios on Pinterest!