Red Pistachios

Remember red pistachios? In the 1930’s, the pistachios were first dyed red to attract attention, as well as to hide the stains from traditional harvesting methods. These delicious, lightly salted pistachios will bring back fond memories with their vibrant red color. Just like other nuts, this classic snack is packed with protein, heart-healthy fats and fiber. Join us for a trip down memory lane with a bag of red pistachios.

This item is a seasonal item available every October until we run out. Supplies are limited so get your bag today!

What Happened to Red Pistachios?

Prior to the 1970’s, the United States imported its pistachios from the Middle East and Asia. Due to antiquated harvesting methods, nut shells were often left with ugly stains and splotches. Foreign pistachio producers dyed the pistachios with a bright red color in an effort to hide the stains and make the nuts more appealing to consumers.

Red pistachios became scarce by the 1980’s because of a limit on pistachio imports from the Middle East, and a huge increase in American grown pistachios produced through advanced harvesting methods. There was no longer a need to dye the pistachios red because they no longer had unappetizing stains. However, just like many of our customers, we feel nostalgic for red pistachios, which is why we brought them back to Nuts.com!

Health Tips

1. A one-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts — more nuts per serving than any other nut and contains more than 10% of the Daily Value for dietary fiber, vitamin B-6, thiamin, phosphorus and copper.

2. You can get more dietary fiber from a serving of pistachios than a 1/2 cup of broccoli or spinach.

3. Pistachios are especially rich in phytosterols, which are directly associated with lowering cholesterol levels, and may offer protection from certain types of cancer.

4. A serving of pistachios has as much thiamin as a 1/2 cup serving of cooked rice.

5. The amount of vitamin B-6 in a one-ounce serving of pistachios is comparable to a standard three-ounce serving of pork or chicken.

6. One serving of pistachios has as much potassium as half a large banana.

7. Pistachios are a very high quality plant source of protein, providing adequate and balanced amounts of essential amino acids. In addition, pistachios are relatively high in a nonessential amino acid, arginine, which may play a potential role in prevention or reduction of cardiovascular disease.

8. While pistachios contain fat, the fat is predominantly monounsaturated, similar to that found in olive oil.