February 26th is about appreciating all things pistachio because it is National Pistachio Day! While pistachios can be on the pricier side, they are extremely popular all over the world. And the consumption of pistachios dates back thousands of years! Join in on the tradition and snack on some pistachios today, just like the ancient peoples did as they admired each other’s linens, chalices, and sandals.
Pistachio Fact: Annual consumption rates indicate that China consumes 80,000 tons, the US 45,000 tons, Russia 15,000 tons, and India consumes 10,000 tons.
Most people enjoy eating roasted pistachios (their most popular form). They are nutrient-dense and can keep you full, which helps to decrease unhealthy cravings. National Pistachio Day is all about enjoying pistachios the way that makes you happy. Maybe you want to blend them into a pesto, sprinkle them on salads, or eat pistachio ice cream. Enjoy pistachios the way you want to today!
Pistachio 101
California grows roughly 300 million pounds of pistachios a year, which accounts for 98% of America’s production. People in America didn’t always enjoy pistachios, though. Americans have been enjoying pistachios since the 1800s, but they weren’t commercially harvested until the mid 1970s. America’s infatuation with pistachios began when James W. Parkinson invented pistachio ice cream in the 1940s. In the Middle East, however, pistachios have been enjoyed since Biblical times.
Pistachio Fact: Iran claims to have the oldest pistachio trees on the planet, dating back 700 years.
Other world pistachio producers include Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Syria. The Mediterranean climate helps pistachio trees flourish. People in the Middle East sometimes refer to pistachios as the smiling nut because the shells naturally split when ripe.
Health Benefits
Pistachios are heart-healthy nuts with a lot of unsaturated fats, which help keep you full. Traders on the Silk Road even packed them as snacks to keep them satiated on their journeys. Pistachios are also rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and they are loaded with manganese, copper, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and protein. Due to the lutein and zeaxanthin antioxidants, pistachios are beneficial for improving eye health. Research has determined that consuming lutein and zeaxanthin reduces a person’s risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Finally, a small 2012 study found that the regular consumption of 1.5 to 3-ounce pistachio servings improved levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The fiber in pistachios also helps move food through the digestive tract, preventing constipation.
To enjoy National Pistachio Day, we have a few of our favorite pistachio recipes for you to try. If you make these recipes, let us know how they turned out.
Raw Pistachio And Kale Pesto
This is not your average pesto. We took some creative liberty and landed on a protein-packed, nutrient-rich dip that is to die for!
Click here to make the recipe.
Raw Pistachio Chocolate Date Balls
Made with almonds, dates, and rolled in finely chopped pistachios, these energy balls make for the perfect snack.
Click here to make the recipe.
Raw Pistachio Cake
Focusing on the rich flavor of pistachios, this raw cake is the ultimate gluten-free, dairy-free dessert you can enjoy guilt-free.
Click here to make the recipe.
