A Brief History of Pistachios

The pistachio has a long and interesting history. It has been cultivated for centuries and is native to the Middle East. Pistachios are one of the oldest flowering nut trees. Recent archeological evidence suggests that humans were enjoying them as early as 7,000 B.C. Flourishing in hot climates, pistachios spread from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, quickly becoming a treasured delicacy among royalty, travelers and common folk alike. Pistachio’s high nutritional value and long storage life also made it an indispensable travel item among early explorers and traders. Along with almonds, pistachios were frequently carried by travelers across the ancient Silk Road that connected China through Iran and the rest of the Middle East, to the West.