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By Sarah Hunt, AZFB Communications Intern

Pistachios are a delicious snack with many health benefits and nutrients. Check out these fun facts about pistachios before tuning in to our segment with Rosie on the House at 8 am, Saturday, February 6^th!

1. Arizona is the second leading pistachio producing state in the US.
2. February 26^th is National Pistachio Day.
3. Pistachios have 6 grams of protein in one serving.
4. Most of our state’s pistachios are grown in southeast Arizona.
5. The United States imported pistachios trees in 1854, but in the 1930’s is when they started being used in California as an experimental way to make money.
6. Pistachios are the only nut that is green.
7. Pistachios are technically seeds, not nuts.
8. Pistachios are a seed that grows inside a type of fruit called a drupe. Cherries also fall into the drupe category.
9. These nuts are good for your heart.
10. Pistachios do very well in rocky soil, abundant sunshine, and warm weather, making Arizona and ideal place for them to grow.
11. On the opposite end, pistachios do not grow well in humid weather.
12. Pistachios originated in the Middle East.
13. The seed’s green color comes from a plant-originated element called chlorophyll.
14. The USDA states that pistachios have “more than 30 different vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients” (10 Surprising Facts About Pistachios).

Buy pistachios directly from our farmers at Cochise Groves, LLC or Fistiki Farms Arizona Pistachios. Find the links to their websites here.

More articles about pistachios:

New Study Reveals the Big Contribution Tree Nuts Make in Arizona

Arizona Pistachios: A Healthy Nut!

Arizona and California Expecting Record Pistachio Harvest

Arizona’s Pistachio Story

Meet Arizona Agriculture’s Graham Family

Sources:

10 Surprising Facts About Pistachios

Celebrate National Pistachio Day