Pistachio Legend and Lore

According to tradition, Emperor Vitellius brought the pistachio to Rome in A.D. 50. He would finish off his meal by stuffing his mouth full of pistachios.

The Queen of Sheba was so fond of pistachio nuts that she decreed Assyria's limited output for her own uses, sometimes giving them as gifts to her favorites at court. Her subjects were barred from keeping any of the crops for personal use.

In Syria, guests are often given a small bag of pistachios has a good will parting gift. They are also an important ingredient at wedding feasts in Syria.

More About Pistachios and Pistachio Recipes:

• Pistachio Selection and Storage
• Why are pistachios red or pink?
• Pistachio Equivalents
• Pistachio History
• Pistachio Lore and Legends
• Pistachio Recipes
_{Pistachio Photo © 2006 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.}
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•	Totally Nuts Cookbook
•	Party Nuts!
•	The Book of Edible Nuts
•	The New Food Lover's Tiptionary
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