Pistachio

History On Pistachio

• The pistachio tree is native to western Asia and Asia Minor,from Syria to the Caucasus and Afghanistan.

• Archaeological evidence in Turkey indicate the nuts were being used for food as early as 7,000 B.C.

• The tree was first introduced into the United States in 1854 by Charles Mason, who distributed seed for experimental plantings in California, Texas and some southern states.

• Commercial production of pistachio nuts began in the late 1970's and rapidly expanded to a major operation in the San Joaquin Valley.

• Other major pistachio producing areas are Iran and Turkey and to a lesser extent, Syria, India, Greece, Pakistan and elsewhere.

• Pistachios thrive in areas which have winters cool enough to break bud dormancy and hot, long summers.

• They are drought resistant and very tolerant of high summer temperatures, but cannot tolerate excessive dampness and high humidity.

• The pistachio is a broad, bushy, deciduous tree which grows slowly to a height and spread of 25 to 30 feet, with one or several trunks.

• Under favorable conditions pistachio trees live and produce for centuries.

• The reddish, wrinkled fruits are borne in heavy clusters somewhat like grapes.

• Normally the shells split longitudinally along their sutures when mature.

• The color of the kernel varies from yellowish through shades of green, which extends throughout the kernel.

• Pistachio nuts are rich in oil, with an average content of about 55%.

• The trees begin bearing in 5 to 8 years, but full bearing is not attained until the 15th or 20th year.

• Pistachios tend toward biennial bearing, producing heavy crop one year followed by little or none the next.

• Pistachios should be planted in full sun.

• Pistachios will tolerate considerable drought but do best with deep, infrequent waterings.

• February 26th is recognized by pistachio lovers as World Pistachio Day; a day to honor the historical nut.

Benefits Of Pistachio

• Pistachios contain more than 10 different antioxidants each of which may offer unique health benefits to stave off chronic diseases.

• An appetite suppressing compound called oleoylethanolamide was recently discovered in monounsaturated FAT (of all places!). Fifty-five percent of the fat in pistachios is monounsaturated fat.

• Pistachios are a "hearty" snack offering more cholesterol fighting phytosterols than any other nut.

• A serving of pistachios has more potassium than half of a large banana.

• The green color in pistachios comes from a compound called lutein which helps to prevent the most common form of blindness in older adults.

• A serving of pistachios has 3 grams of fiber.

• An old folk remedy, pistachios were once thought to cure ailments such as toothaches and sclerosis of the liver.

• Pistachios are a source of gamma-tocopherol.

• A pistachio-rich diet may help reduce the risk of other cancers.

• Will help protect you from heart attacks.

• Strengthen your immune system.

• It provides a significant amount of the bioactive carotenoid, lutein that is also found in dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli (good for your eyes)

• A study showed that pistachios may stabilize blood sugar levels and can be a good snack item for diabetics.

• Adding a daily snack of 2 oz. of pistachios gives a person 50 percent more healthy carotenoids.

• The minerals and vitamins in pistachios can help boost metabolism, build bones up, strengthen tissues, aid the nerves and cardiovascular system, improve vision, and purify the blood stream.

• pistachio can help reduce acute stress reactions and improve overall behavioral health.

Resources:

http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pistachio.html

www.yurosekfarms.com/

http://www.pistachiohealth.com/

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Health-Benefits-of-Pistachios&id=1001168

http://www.livestrong.com/article/18452-health-benefits-pistachios/