The ancient pistachio tree came back to life at the end of the 19th century on the estate of Dr. Nikolaos Peroglou in Aegina. In his new plantation, he experimented with various crops. Among them was the fruit of the Pistacia vera tree, which thrived impressively in Aegina’s climate. The Aegina variety was officially recognized as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product in 1997, safeguarding its unique flavor and securing its name of origin.
The pistachio tree is a long-lived, fruit-bearing, deciduous tree that can be planted in most soil types. A cold winter and a dry summer create the ideal climate for its growth. The tree begins to bear fruit after the 6th year from planting, and reaches full production after about 10 years.
Beyond its distinct flavor, the nutritional value of Aegina pistachios is undeniable. The in-shell pistachio is rich in phytosterols, vitamins (A, B2, B6, B9, C, E), calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.