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New Mexico State University’s line of licensed products is welcoming its newest addition, a bundle of fresh gourmet products featuring locally grown pistachios.
Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wines is collaborating with New Mexico State Athletics for the first time to create a mix of farm fresh New Mexico pistachios named "Pete's Provisions."
“It means a lot to us to be a part of an institution with a great history in agriculture as well as the pursuit of greatness through higher education and Aggie athletics,” said Maria Massey, regional store manager of Heart of the Desert. “We take great pride in being a home-grown New Mexico company and we feel that NMSU ties in so well with that.”
The New Mexico company is known for growing their pistachios at Eagle Ranch Pistachio Groves in Alamogordo, which is home to the state’s first and largest producing pistachio groves with 13,000 trees.
"Once again, the New Mexico Department of Agriculture has identified a tremendous collaboration opportunity with NM State Athletics and Heart of the Desert,” said Mario Moccia, director of athletics at NMSU. “Pistachios are an Aggie fan favorite and Pete’s Provisions – spanning six different products, with an option to purchase all together in a gift basket – will be a tremendous seller in Las Cruces and Alamogordo, as well for alumni nationwide through their website sales.”
Aggie fans can get a taste of the two main flavors of nuts, garlic and green chile and salted and roasted. Other products include milk chocolate pistachio toffee, pistachio cranberry biscotti, green chile pistachio brittle, and green chile pistachio caramel popcorn.
“One taste of all of them and you’ll be hooked,” Maria said. “We use all the best ingredients and have tested each recipe until we have achieved the quality we expect. The newest addition to our line-up is the green chile pistachio caramel popcorn. It is hands down one of our very best pistachio by-products.”
Maria added that the business is happy to be part of a program that celebrates student-athletes in their efforts to achieve their goals and ambitions through education, teamwork, and commitment.
“Our company celebrates 50 years in business as of this coming year,” she shared. “We felt that this is perfect timing to be partnered with another long-standing great institution.”
All the products are available at the company’s two Las Cruces area locations; NM Farm & Ranch Musuem and on the plaza in Mesilla; and at the main location in Alamogordo. They are also available online at https://www.heartofthedesert.com/.