Pistachio's Evolution in History

Origin of Pistachios:

The birthplace of pistachios remained unknown until the end of the 19th century when European botanists visiting the Middle East discovered pistachio cultivation. After research, they concluded that pistachios originate from Syria, Turkey, and Mesopotamia. In the 20th century, in 1930, Russian botanists identified wild pistachio trees in mountainous and plain areas, forming a type of forest-steppe in areas with poor ecological composition.

First Mention in the Greek Language:

The first description of pistachios in the Greek language appears in the writings of Theophrastus of Eresus (371-287 BC). Despite never visiting Asia, he described pistachios based on information from historians who followed Alexander the Great during his campaign in Asia.

Name "Pistakia" (Pistachios):

The term "pistakia" (pistachios) did not originate from Theophrastus. The first to use the term was the poet Nicander of Colophon (2nd century BC). He mentions that "pistakia" are found in India and resemble almonds, protecting against scorpion bites. The word "pistakia" comes from the ancient Persian word "pista," meaning pistachio or pistachio tree.

Pistachios in Greece:

Regarding pistachios in Greece, there were no reports until the 19th century. The biologist Bory de Saint Vincent mentioned in 1856 that pistachio trees were observed in Zakynthos. The first organized pistachio orchard was established by chocolate importer D. Pavlidis on his estate in Neo Psychiko in 1856. The director of the Botanical Garden (Dendrokomio) in 1869 began multiplying pistachio trees, and his successor Gennadios (1882) continued his work.

"Aegina: The 'Aegina Pistachio' as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Product"

In 1994, the "Aegina Pistachio" was added to the list of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products. The PDO system represents a decision by the European Union (EU) aimed at protecting the names of products originating from specific regions to address unfair competition.

Aegina, the First Pistachio Grove:

Over 200 years ago, wild pistachio trees were scattered, mainly on the southern side of Aegina. During the Kapodistrian era, a landowner in the Aoni area, today's Perivola, had the idea to transplant mastic tree seedlings from Chios and graft them with pistachio trees.

He planted them near the rocky slope facing the main road, the first carriage road in free Greece, today's Ioannis Kapodistrias Avenue, for passersby to admire. There were only two in total.

One of them still survives today. Dr. Nikolaos Peroglou was inspired by this and introduced pistachio cultivation on his estate. Those who followed him experienced prosperity much later during the Occupation.

Their pistachios provided them with food and the opportunity to buy more estates, thereby increasing their wealth. In the 1950s, pistachios were considered gold. Farmers abandoned their vineyards – rhodites and savvatianá – replacing them with pistachio trees.

Due to the favorable conditions of the island's soil and climate for pistachio cultivation, Aegina's pistachio, unique in flavor, became the most famous shelled nut in Greece.

In the last decade, every September, the Pistachio Festival "Aegina Fistiki Fest" has been established, following the end of the harvest.