One of the oldest flowering nut trees, the pistachio is native to the Middle East, Recent archeological evidence in Turkey suggests that humans were enjoying them as early as 7,000 B.C. Hot climates are particularly favorable to the pistachio. They spread from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, then to California, becoming a popular delicacy among royalty, travelers and common folk alike.

Legend has it that lovers met in orchards to hear the pistachios crack open on moonlit nights — a sign of good fortune.

There is also a legend that says the Queen of Sheba decreed pistachios an exclusively royal food and Nebuchadnezzar, the ancient king of Babylon, had pistachio trees planted in his fabled hanging gardens.