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The 9,000-Year History of Pistachios


Oct 24, 17
By Inesa Slevaite
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Health History Pistachios Snacking

A type of nut to many, but there is more to pistachios than meets the eye. So here are some interesting (and slightly random) things you may not have known about them:

A member of the cashew family, pistachios are native to the Middle East. However, they are pretty old being one of the oldest flowering nut trees, and humans have been enjoying pistachios for at least 9,000 years.

A biblical mention…

Pistachios are also one of only two nuts which are Biblical, cited in Genesis 43:11. “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds.”

They are believed to have been one of the foods Adam brought to earth and grew in the Garden of Eden.

A royal nut…

Pistachios were also a favourite of the greedy Queen of Sheba, who demanded all her land’s production for herself and her court. She made it illegal for commoners to grow pistachio trees.

An essential travel item…

They were vital travel items for early explorer and traders. This was probably due to pistachio’s exceptional nutritional value and extensive storage life. They were frequently carried by travellers across the ancient Silk Road that connected China with the West.

A cracking omen…

Historically the cracking of pistachio nuts was considered a good omen, specifically for romantic relationships. This lead to couples meeting under pistachio trees waiting for the sound of nuts cracking to ensure a successful and happy relationship.

A juicy relative…

Descending from the evergreen tree family, pistachios are a distant cousin of the mango (The King of Fruits) and each tree on average grows a cracking 50,000 pistachios every two years.

Let’s see if we can continue to enjoy pistachios for another 9,000 years! Take a look at our shop and don’t forget to tag us using our hashtag #nutsaboutborna

Ciara Simpson, Content Writer at Borna Foods 🙂


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