World Pistachio Day, the top pistachio-consuming countries and many more curiosities about the most international and beloved nut

While waiting for the Pistachio Street Food Festival, we have gathered here for you 5 interesting facts about pistachio that (maybe) you didn’t know yet. Ready to discover them all? Let’s start!

1. February 26th is considered ‘National Pistachio Day’ in the USA

In the United States, February 26th recognizes all things pistachio. It’s National Pistachio Day! It is a day dedicated to all pistachio lovers who can eat their favourite nut all day long. A nice occasion and a good excuse to enjoy pure pistachios, a good pistachio dessert or to try a new pistachio recipe! According to some sources, it is now called “Wold Pistachio Day” in an attempt to internationalize it. We absolutely support this holiday and indeed would mark it in red on the calendar so that everyone can have a day off to devote exclusively to enjoy pistachios.

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da RV Life After 50 (@rvlifeafter50)

2. The top pistachio-consuming countries are…

Germany belongs to the top pistachio-consuming countries. With 14 468 tons per year, it ranks 6, after Turkey (130 202 tons), the United States (93 432), Iran (49 504), China (35 838), and Syria (20 400) and ahead of Italy (11 190). And how can you blame the Germans, pistachios are simply delicious!

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da True Italian (@trueitalianfood)

3. Pistachio means happiness in Chinese culture

In China, pistachios are known as the “happy nut” because they appear to smile. Have you ever noticed that? Since pistachios are a symbol of health, happiness, and good fortune, they are often given as gifts during the Chinese New Year. Here’s a great gift idea for the next time you don’t know what to get someone!

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Tonghan (@cheetah_what)

4. In Mexico, Pistachio has its own dedicated idiom

A popular saying in Mexico is “Quiere el pistache pelado y en la boca,” which literally means “He wants his pistachios shelled and in the mouth,”. It is understood as wanting everything the easy way. 

5. Bronte pistachio, aka. the green gold

The Bronte pistachio, which received the classification “Protected designation of origin” in 2009, is one of the most well-known pistachio varieties. Pistachio cultivation and production are a significant source of revenue for the Bronte people; in fact, because of its great commercial worth, it has earned the nickname “green gold”. The Bronte pistachio’s greater than average chlorophyll content, which accounts for its intensely green hue, is its most significant trait. An endless range of products resulting from pistachio processing are created in Bronte, a town in the province of Catania, Sicily, including the well-known pistachio pesto for pasta sauce, pistachio ice cream, pistachio biscuits, pistachio cream, and more. In terms of production, the Bronte pistachio accounts for about 90% of Italian production and 2% of global production. End of summer harvesting occurs between August and September, but only every other year; the harvesting year is followed by bud eradication to save the plant.

 

Visualizza questo post su Instagram

 

Un post condiviso da Pistacchio Dell’Etna (@pistacchiobronte)

After all these interesting facts from around the world, is your craving for pistachios skyrocketing? Don’t miss the Pistachio Street Food Festival on 27 and 28 August 2022!

Pistachio Street Food Festival 2022

International street food with a special focus on pistachio, cocktails, and good music
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of August, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Jules B-Part (Luckenwalder Str. 6b, 10963 Berlin)
Entry fee: 3€ (free for kids under 12). There is no pre-sale, you can get your ticket at the entrance
Facebook Event: Pistachio Street Food Festival