And seven other fun facts about our favorite green superfood!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! In honor of this holiday that celebrates Saint Patrick, Ireland, good luck, and all things green, we’re going to share some of our favorite fun facts about pistachios, starting with their color.

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Why are pistachios green?

While the shell of the pistachio is naturally beige, the seed itself (the part we eat) is typically different shades of green with a bit of purple. This green color comes from chlorophyll, the same green pigment found in other fruits and vegetables like celery, green apples, and lettuce. Not only does chlorophyll give plants a green color, but it is the pigment that plays an important role in photosynthesis—which allows plants to make food from light, carbon dioxide, and water.

We’re nuts about pistachios…. But they technically aren’t nuts!

Although they are grouped with nuts in a culinary sense, pistachios are actually seeds. In the spring, pistachio trees produce grape-like clusters of fruits called “drupes.” Within the fruit, there is a green seed covered by a shell. When the fruit ripens, the shell hardens and splits, exposing the beautiful green seed. This is the part that we eat! If you want to learn more about how pistachios are harvested, check out our past blog post on the subject: https://www.heartofthedesert.com/facts-about-pistachio-harvest/

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Pistachio trees are unisex.

Pistachio trees are either male or female. They cannot self-pollinate! This means that in order to produce fruits, you will need both a male and a female tree. How do you know which tree is a male or female? Well, you won’t know until the year the tree is supposed to bear fruit, which can take about 7-8 years! They each produce flowers, and male trees can pollinate several female trees. Only the female tree will produce the pistachio seed!

Pistachio trees can outlive humans!

Pistachio trees can produce for over 100 years and may live up to 300 years! In fact, there is a pistachio tree in Iran that is rumored to be over 1500 years old!

Pistachios are considered a complete plant protein.

Foods are complete proteins when they contain all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. While many animal products like meat and eggs are complete proteins, many plant proteins must be combined to make them complete. One typical example is beans and rice. These foods by themselves are not complete proteins, but when combined, they do contain all nine essential amino acids. There are a small number of plant proteins that are complete proteins by themselves, and in 2019 roasted pistachios joined the group!

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The better to see you with, my dear.

Among many other health benefits, pistachios have high concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two types of carotenoids important in eye health. These pigments defend the body against free radicals and are even believed to protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light from looking at phones and computer screens.

Pistachios are culturally significant and considered lucky

Pistachios seem to produce good vibes all over the globe! For example, in Iran (the largest producer of pistachios in the world), they are often given to visitors as gifts. During the Lunar New Year, they are presented as gifts to symbolize happiness and wealth in China. Even the cracking sound of pistachio hulls opening is considered good luck, just like the four-leafed clover! Additionally, due to their numerous health benefits, they are considered a powerful aphrodisiac in many countries worldwide!

In conclusion, pistachios are green, considered lucky, and beneficial for your health. Pistachios are an excellent food to enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day and every day!

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.

Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY