PISTACHIO DAY, NTL.
About National Pistachio Day
National Pistachio Day is an Unofficial Food Holiday to celebrate one of the oldest nuts on the planet, the Pistachio. The Pistachio originated in the Middle East. They are mentioned in the Old Testament (Genesis 43:11).
In Persia (Iran), pistachio trade and ownership of pistachio groves meant riches and high status. Legend has it that pistachios were a favorite of the Queen of Sheba, who demanded all her land’s production for herself and her court. Through the conquests of Alexander the Great (334-323 BC), the nut reached Greece. Later, under the rule of the Roman Emperor Tiberius (First Century AD), the nut was also introduced into Italy and Spain.
During the 1880s, imported pistachios were popular in the USA, especially with Middle Eastern immigrants. The pistachio received further distribution through vending machines installed in underground train stations, bars, restaurants and other common locations. “A dozen for a nickel” soon developed into a familiar slogan.
The first commercial crop of pistachios produced in the United States was harvested in 1976. California comprises 98.5% of the total US production, representing more than $1.16 billion to the California economy and more than $15 million to the states of Arizona and New Mexico.
In Persia (Iran), pistachio trade and ownership of pistachio groves meant riches and high status. Legend has it that pistachios were a favorite of the Queen of Sheba, who demanded all her land’s production for herself and her court. Through the conquests of Alexander the Great (334-323 BC), the nut reached Greece. Later, under the rule of the Roman Emperor Tiberius (First Century AD), the nut was also introduced into Italy and Spain.
During the 1880s, imported pistachios were popular in the USA, especially with Middle Eastern immigrants. The pistachio received further distribution through vending machines installed in underground train stations, bars, restaurants and other common locations. “A dozen for a nickel” soon developed into a familiar slogan.
The first commercial crop of pistachios produced in the United States was harvested in 1976. California comprises 98.5% of the total US production, representing more than $1.16 billion to the California economy and more than $15 million to the states of Arizona and New Mexico.
PROMOTIONAL DETAILS
Event Sponsor:
Unofficial Holiday. No Sponsor. See American Pistachio Growers for information on this subject
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