MISCELLANEOUS NUTS. 107 



PISTACHIO (Pistacia vera L.). 



This little nut, sometimes called green almond, is about as hardy as the almond, 

 and may be expected to thrive in similar locations. The tree is dioecious, and care is 

 therefore necessary that male as well as female trees be planted. The reddish, oval 

 nut is about as large as the olive; it is slightly furrowed on the surface, and has an 

 oily, green kernel of mild and agreeable flavor. It is much used by confectioners for 

 flavoring and coloring confectionery, and in France for seasoning sausage and other 

 meats. Most of our supply comes from the Mediterranean regions, but, though some- 

 what larger, they are said to be inferior in flavor to those from Persia. 



A native of Syria, this nut has been gradually carried westward, and in some por- 

 tions of southern Europe has become so far naturalized as to appear indigenous. In 

 England it bears when protected from the cold of winter, but does not ripen well from 

 lack of heat in summer. It is grown in Europe mainly by grafting on the " turpentine" 

 (Pistacia terebinthus Mill.) as a stock, for upon its own roots it makes but a slow growth 

 and is a low shrub. It was introduced into the United States in 1854, and was widely 

 distributed through the Southern and Middle States by the Commissioner of Patents, 

 Hon. Charles Mason. Probably the first crop of this nut grown on the Pacific Slope 

 was produced in 1881 on trees belonging to G. P. Eixford, of Sonoma, Cal. The trees 

 were imported from the north of France in 1875. They are small (about 8 to 12 feet 

 in height), but are thrifty and vigorous. The nuts are borne on the female trees in 

 clusters somewhat like grapes, but more scattering, and are covered by a thin, purplish 

 light-green husk. Its culture may well be tested further in California. 



OF THE 



UNIVERSITY 



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