Celebrate the ‘happy nut’

World Pistachio Day is almost upon us, so this February 26 why not take a moment to reflect on this amazing little nut? Pistachios contain just three calories per nut, as well as more than 30 different vitamins and minerals? There is also evidence that humans were tucking into delicious pistachios as early as 7000 BC.

Today the whole world is nuts about pistachios and nearly half of California’s 400 million pound annual crop of pistachios is exported. Israelis are the biggest fans of the nut with seven million snackers consuming nine million pounds of pistachios, making it the leader per capita for pistachio consumption.

In many cultures the pistachio also has great symbolic significance. In China, it is known as the “Happy Nut” because it looks like it is smiling and pistachios are also given as a gift for good fortune at Chinese New Year. Whilst Russian legend also notes that anyone who hears the crackle of an opening pistachio nut will soon find success.