The original homelands of 'Pistachio' were Asia Minor (now Türkiye), Iran, Syria, Lebanon and a bit north to Caucasus in southern Russia and Afghanistan. Archeologists found evidence of pistachios in a dig site at Jerome, near northeastern Iraq, from as early as 6750 BC. Hanging gardens of Babylon were said to have contained pistachio trees during reign of King Merodach-Baladan, 700 BC. Pistachios are one of only two nuts mentioned in 'Old Testament', that is thought to have been assembled in 5th Century BC. According to Herodotus (484-425 BC), Pistachio cultivation was the part of Persian Culture, around 4000 years old tradition. “Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your bags and take them down to the man as a gift, a little balm and a little honey, some spices and myrrh, some pistachio nuts and almonds.”  - Genesis 43:11 Pistachios are believed to have been one of the foods Adam brought to earth and grew in the Garden of Eden. Legend has it that Queen of Sheba decreed pistachios an exclusively royal food, going so far as to forbid commoners from growing the nut for personal use. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had pistachio trees planted in his fabled hanging gardens. And in 1st Century AD, Emperor Vitellius debuted this prized nut in his capital city of Rome. Apices, Rome’s Julia Child of the period, mentions pistachios in his classical cookbook but did not include any of the recipes in which he used them. The nuts traveled from Syria to Italy in 1st Century AD, and spread throughout Mediterranean from there. Persians used the pistachio abundantly, not only for desserts, but also in ground-up form to thicken and enhance sauces. Arabs learned a few culinary secrets from Persians and included pistachios in their dessert delicacies such as Baklava, a rich treat made from buttered phyllo dough alternately layered with nuts and bathed in sweet syrup after baking. They were vital travel items for early explorers and traders. This was probably due to the pistachio’s exceptional nutritional value and extensive storage life. They were frequently carried by travelers across ancient Silk Road that connected China with West. Alongside Crusades, Levant trade in Middle Ages was also widespread. Venetian Republic had close trade ties with Syria, one of main cultivation areas for pistachio. Goods reached northern and central Italy via sea trade routes. North of Alps, pistachio remained unknown for a long time. Upon reaching central Europe, it was called “Latin Penny Nut” because of its introduction from Italian sales route, over Alpine passes. By the time pistachios were imported into Europe on a regular basis, they were quite expensive and not everyone could afford them. However, despite their high cost, merchants of France had an ample supply for anyone willing to splurge on green wonders. While pistachio was used early on, in various ways for cooking in Italy, north of Alps it was used primarily as an expensive addition to baked goods. Only after WWII did pistachio image gradually change from an expensive baking additive to a popular snack. During 1880s, imported pistachios were popular in USA, especially with Middle Eastern immigrants. California encountered pistachio in 1854 CE, when Charles Mason, a seed distributor for experimental plantings, brought the pistachio to this country. Several years later, in 1875 CE, a few small pistachio trees imported from France were planted in Sonoma, California. In early 1900’s Chico, California, became home of first experimental Plant Production Station. Funded by USDA, this station brought in a variety of pistachio trees. Pistachio received further distribution through vending machines installed in underground train stations, bars, restaurants, and other common locations. “A dozen for a nickel” soon developed into a familiar slogan. #archaeohistories