Metamorphosis of the word "Pistak" to "Pistachio"

Pistachios, which are one of the dry fruits, are the seeds of a small tree. It is interesting and useful to know the metamorphosis of the word "pistak " in the ancient Persian language into "pistachio" now used in the English language. It is interesting and useful as it can help in comprehending how various Eurasian languages in the Indo-European group of languages are connected to each other.
From the Persian language, the word 'pistak" was changed into the word "ΠΙσΤἁΚΙΟν" (pistakio) in the Greek language. Then it became a word in the Latin language and was added to the vocabulary of the Italian language as "pistacchio". it is obvious how similar in spellings and sounds are the words "Pistcacchio" and "Pistachio".
The trees of pistachio were earlier cultivated in the area of Central Asia. These trees can grow in the saline soil and equally well whether climate be cold or warm. However, the soil should be well drained as too much water is not good for the roots of pistachio trees. An average height of the trees can be 10 metres.
Pistachio as a dry fruit is considered as a sort of nut. From a tree almost 50 kilograms of pistachio seeds or nuts are obtained and the crop quantity can be 25,000 kilograms per tree per year. Machines are used to obtain nuts from its trees. Pistachio trees usually become productive within a period of seven years after sowing. In the present day world, pistachio production is almost one million tonnes per year.
Nutritiously pistachio (in 100 grams) approximate composition in percentage figures is: Energy 2,351 kilo-Joules, Water, Carbohydrates 27, Fats 45, Proteins 20, Vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-9, C, D, E, K, Minerals Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc.

 

By: Ashraf Naushahi

(Educator, Writer, Book-Reviewer, Specialist in English Literature, Translator)