Seed Series: Pine Nuts

🍂🌲 In the winter months, if you are surrounded by pine trees, you have either have stepped on or collected a copious amount of pine cones. While you may be aware that all trees have their unique way to reproduce each year dropping some form of debris, did you know that a few varieties of pine trees, mainly in the Mediterranean, produce pine nuts!

🌿 Smooth and nutty, these little ‘nuts’ are actually seeds, likely making them suitable for those who cannot consume nuts. Uncertain if you have ever eaten a pine nut? It’s more common to consume pine nuts all ground up, as they are a main ingredient when making pesto. And if you have never tried pesto… it’s worth a taste test!

🥣 Aside from pesto, pine nuts are a versatile seed, adding subtle crunch and velvety texture to whatever dish they are paired with. Pine nuts can be sprinkled on top of a protein, such as chicken or fish, added on top of many dips such as hummus, or added to any pasta dish or vegetable side.

💪🏼❄️ Like other seeds, pine nuts have a high-quality nutritional profile. One ounce provides nearly 4 grams of protein, healthy fats and are an excellent source of vitamin E, manganese, and copper.
Pine nuts have a high oil (healthy fat) content, so can go rancid if not stored properly. To preserve freshness, it’s best to keep pine nuts in a cool, dry environment or even in the freeze for a longer lasting shelf life.

💵 🌱 While these seeds are very tasty, it’s not uncommon to limit how often you purchase them due to the higher price tag. But the cost might be for a good reason. These seeds are not easy to remove from the cone and it is a pretty labor-intensive process. In addition, most pine trees do not produce pine cones, and therefore, pine nuts, for more than a decade! That alone makes us appreciate what nature produces!

🌟🌟 Sensing a theme…
Good things, good food, good habits, good you
…take time to create! 🌟🌟