National Pistachio Day

A joyful person holding a bowl overflowing with pistachios, wearing a colorful outfit, surrounded by nature's bounty.. — National pistachio day illustration

Welcome to the nuttiest party in town, folks - National Pistachio Day! This day is all about the love of the little green kernels we can never get enough of. Whether you enjoy them roasted, salted, in your favorite ice-cream flavor or even in the heart of a delicious Baklava, here’s your excuse to go a little nuts. Yes, pun intended!

When is Pistachio Day?

It's national pistachio day on the 26th February.

The Rise of the Pistachio Nut

Ah, the humble pistachio: small in size, mighty in flavor. Pistachios have been a beloved nut for centuries - but did you know that they only gained popularity in the United States somewhat recently? According to 'Nuts for Pistachios', the pistachio was introduced to the U.S in the 1880s, but they were not grown on a commercial scale until the 1970s. With California leading the charge, the love for pistachios just kept on growing.

Going Nuts on the Internet

Yet, Pistachios truly shelled out their status as a pop culture food icon on National Pistachio Day, 26th February 2016, when online mentions of the day skyrocketed with a whopping 2231 mentions! Friends tagging friends, food bloggers whipping up new-fangled recipes featuring this old-world nut, the internet simply went Pistachio-mad! From tweets to blog posts, Pistachios were truly the star nut of the day.

Celebratory Ideas

Wondering how to crack the celebration for the next National Pistachio Day? Well, we've got plenty of fun ideas! Start simple: Grab a bag of pistachios and share it with your loved ones! Cook up a pistachio-flavored storm: Pistachio cake, pistachio salad, or even pistachio gelato - it's a foodie affair!

Let's Go Eco-Nuts

As if we needed more reasons to love these nuts, pistachios are also a sustainable and eco-friendly nut option. So while you’re munching away, feel good about these green kernels making less of a footprint on mother earth.

History behind the term 'Pistachio'

7000 BCE

Ancient Origins

Pistachios have a long and storied history, with their origins dating back to at least 7000 BCE in what is now modern-day Iran. These delectable nuts were a popular food source for ancient civilizations, including the Assyrians and Persians. In fact, pistachios were widely cultivated in the Middle East and Asia for centuries.

1800s

Introduction to the West

Pistachios made their way to the Western world during the 1800s. In the early part of the century, traders and explorers brought these exotic nuts to Europe, where they quickly gained popularity among the elite. The unique and delicious taste of pistachios captivated the palates of European nobility.

1854

Pistachio in America

In 1854, the first pistachio trees were brought to America by Charles Mason, a gold miner from California. He obtained a handful of pistachio seeds from Iran and planted them in his garden in the state. However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that commercial cultivation of pistachios began in California.

1976

California Pistachios Boom

California quickly became the leading producer of pistachios in the United States, with ideal growing conditions in the state's Central Valley. Improved cultivation techniques and the introduction of new varieties led to a boom in pistachio production. The demand for pistachios grew exponentially, and the nuts gained popularity both as a snack and as an ingredient in various culinary creations.

1980s

Pistachios Go Global

In the 1980s, the popularity of pistachios expanded beyond the United States. This delightful nut became a favorite around the world, with increased global consumption. Today, pistachios are enjoyed in many countries and cultures, and they have become a staple in international cuisines.