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 for Americans of Middle Eastern descent by a former Syrian immigrant who was a nut salesman. The pistachio wasn't introduced to the rest of America until some 50 years later. It emerged as a snack food sold in vending machines across the nation. The shells were dyed red to cover up any flaws and draw attention to people passing by. This nut knows how to get around.Today, 98 percent of the world supply of pistachios is eaten right here in America. They are cultivated as a commercial crop in California, Italy, Turkey, and Iran, with the U.S. being the second largest producer in the world.
Adding to its many wonders, pistachios have been used as dyes and remedies throughout time. They have also been recognized as an indispensable quality food, a super heart snack, a high source of fiber, a super nutrient and excellent source of B6. The pistachio is also lutein-rich, with a deep yellow green color for eye and artery health, and a high satiety snack. What does that mean? It means they take longer to eat so you eat less; and the high protein and fiber helps satisfy. Sign me up!
It doesn't end there. The delightful green nutmeats of the pistachio are known for their delicious addition to Baklava, Nougat, and Turkish Delight. They are used in mortadella, an Italian coldcut similar to bologna and, crushed up, they are used for body and flavor in savory sauces.
One final note. I cannot end my research without including one of my favorite uses of the pistachio, ice cream, and it seems I'm not alone. Creation credited to James W. Parkinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1940, pistachio ice cream is one of the most popular uses of pistachios today. (Thank you, Mr. Parkinson!) (3) Pistachio ice cream is also widely enjoyed in India and is commonly called 'Kulfi.' (4)
The list of accomplishments for this amazing one-seeded wonder is endless - making this nut all that it's cracked up to be and a whole lot more.
As for finding royal roots to my name? Not this time. But, I will no longer mind being mistaken for this impressive character. From the Garden of Eden to the 21st century, the pistachio has proven to be one high-class act to follow.
Sources:
www.pistachiohealth.com (1)
www.vegparadise.com/highestperch35 (2)
www.homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory (3)
www.annamariavolpi.com/pistachio_ice_cream (4)