02.19.11
World Pistachio Day Fun Facts – W. Europe
By Pistachio Queen
World Pistachio Day is February 26. Want to learn more and educate others about pistachios around the world? Feel free to submit your own fun facts about pistachios in Western Europe.
New Beginnings
Pistachios were brought to Europe (in particular to Italy) from Syria during the reign of Tiberius at the beginning of the 1st century A.D. Subsequently they were spread to be grown in other Southern European countries (e.g. Greece).
Nutty Stardom
The UK film “The Pistachio Nut” was filmed in Fulham, London and starred cockney Nick Moran. It had the tagline: “Warning: this film may contain nuts.”
The Romantic Nut
In Germany couples/lovers love to share a bowl of pistachios while watching a romantic film.
Whet your Appetite
In France, pistachios are often served with “aperitif,” a light alcoholic beverage served before a meal to whet the appetite. The French word “aperitif” is derived from the Latin verb aperire, which means “to open.”
They Score!
In Germany, pistachios are served with a good beer or a glass of wine while friends join each other to watch football matches together.
Belgian Chocolate Delicacy
In a country famous for its chocolate, Belgium chefs use pistachios as a main ingredient in many of their chocolate creations.
Cold Pleasure
In Holland, in 1998 pistachio ice-cream was voted the most popular ice cream amongst kids.
Read more fun facts: Middle East | E. Europe
