What is a pine nut?
 A pine nut is the blond, tear-shaped seed of a pine tree. Pine nuts grow inside pine cones. However, before you run out to the backyard to start harvesting your own nuts, you should know that only a few species of pine trees produce pine nuts worth gathering. In the United States, pine nuts are harvested from piñon pine forests in the mountains of the Southwest. Pine nuts are grown all over Europe, as well, but China produces the bulk of the world's supply. The cones are pulled from trees with a long hook and spread out in the sun to dry. As they dry, the cones open up and the nuts fall out. Eaten raw or roasted, pine nuts have a sweet, oily flavor to classic dishes like basil pesto and spinach with golden raisins. Toasted pine nuts add depth and richness (and protein and healthy fats) to steamed greens or roasted vegetables. Sprinkle a handful over your next plate of pasta, or try Brys's spicy hummus with pine nuts and lime juice. Recipe: Creamy Ricotta Tart With Pine Nuts (101 Cookbooks) Recipe: Italian Rice And Beans (VeganYumYum) Recipe: Parsley Pesto (Hogwash) |
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