by Screamin Mama

Created on: September 16, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2011

Having the last name Pistocchi, pistachio rings dear to my heart in more ways than one. Not only do I snack on the green kernel regularly, I've been mistaken for one regularly! So when presented with an opportunity to research this unique namesake of mine, it seemed fitting to explore its history - maybe even dig up some royal roots!

After lots of prodding and diligent investigation, the pistachio does indeed trace back to some prominent figures: the Queen of Sheba, King Nebuchadnezzar and Emperor Vitellius of Rome.

Further findings reveal that it must have been love at first bite for the Queen. Legend states she was so infatuated with the pistachio, she "pronounced it a royal food and forbade the commoners to grow them for their own use." (1) King Nebuchadnezzar, the ancient king of Babylon, filled his legendary gardens with pistachio trees and Emperor Vitellius was so enamored, he introduced the bite-sized wonder to Rome, 1st century A.D.

There's more. According to Moslem legend, the pistachio nut was one of the foods brought to Earth by Adam.(2) This piece of information prompted me to dig into scripture; and, indeed, I found that the pistachio, along with the almond, were the only two nuts found mentioned in the Old Testament. "Then their father Israel said to them,'If it must be, then do this: put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as gifts - a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.'" (Genesis 43:11 NIV)

Fascinating.

The pistachio is the seed fruit of Pistacia vera, (couldn't find the phonetic on this), originating in Persia. The English name pistachio is derived from pisteh, its Persian name, and I couldn't overlook the Italian version, and my nemesis, pistacchio. The trees stand about 20 feet tall, flourishes in hot climates and lives for centuries with no care. In fact, Iran prides itself on having a 700-year-old tree still living! (3)

Also known as the green almond, it seems pistachios have partnered with the latter throughout history. Not only did they both get honorable mention in scripture, they were also frequently carried by travelers across the ancient Silk Road, an elaborate network of trade routes connecting China, South and Western Asia with the Mediterranean world, including North Africa and Europe. Impressive.

So how did this intriguing little nut migrate to the New World?

It seems the pistachio was originally imported to the United States

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