National Pistachio Day is on Friday, February 26, 2027, and it falls on February 26 every year. It celebrates the green nut you crack out of a half-open shell. Pistachios show up in everything from gelato and baklava to a chocolate bar that went viral.
When Is National Pistachio Day?
It’s always February 26. It’s an unofficial food day, and a good excuse to try pistachios beyond the snack bag.
Who Started National Pistachio Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: where pistachios come from
The pistachio tree, Pistacia vera, is native to the hot, dry desert foothills of western Asia, including Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. It’s the only edible species in its genus, and it belongs to the cashew family.
Where Do Pistachios Grow in the U.S.?
Almost entirely in California. The American Pistachio Growers say the state supplies 99% of U.S. production, with smaller harvests in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. California’s 2023 crop was estimated at 1.36 billion pounds.
Pistachio farming takes patience. Trees produce no measurable crop for their first five years, and harvests start in year six. The day honors the growers who wait that long.
How to Celebrate National Pistachio Day
- Crust some salmon: press chopped pistachios and Dijon mustard onto fillets before baking.
- Blend Sicilian pesto: swap pine nuts for pistachios and add lemon zest.
- Bake baklava or biscotti: both show off the nut’s green color.
- Top a salad: scatter pistachios over roasted beets, goat cheese and peppery arugula.
- Roast your own: toast shelled pistachios at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, then toss with flaky salt and lemon zest.
- Make pistachio butter: blend toasted kernels until smooth and spread it on toast or swirl it into oatmeal.
- Try pistachio gelato: a pale, olive-green scoop is a good sign; bright green often means added coloring.
How Dubai Chocolate Made Pistachios Pricier
In 2021, Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai launched a bar filled with pistachio cream and crispy knafeh pastry. It later went viral on TikTok, and copies spread worldwide.
Confectionery News reported in April 2025 that pistachio kernel prices rose from about $7.65 to about $10.30 per pound in a year. U.S. supplies also fell 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pistachio orchards need male and female trees?
Only female trees bear nuts. Their flowers have no petals, so wind, not bees, carries pollen from the male trees.
Why do pistachio prices change so much?
Trees alternate between heavy and light crops, so supply swings each harvest. Sudden demand, like the Dubai chocolate trend, can push prices up quickly.
Are pistachios tree nuts for allergies?
Yes. The FDA counts tree nuts among the major food allergens, and labels must name the specific nut.