Why Did They Spray Pistachios Red? The Vintage Truth Behind a Colorful Snack
                                
                                
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                                    5 min read                                
                            
                                Before the 1980s, virtually all pistachios sold in the United States were dyed a distinct, cherry red. The simple answer to why they sprayed pistachios red lies in overcoming visual imperfections to make the nuts more appealing and commercially viable to consumers.