Pinus pinea/Pine nuts also called piñón, or pignoli, are the edible seeds of pines (family Pinaceae, genus Pinus). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, only 29 species provide edible nuts, while 20 are traded locally or internationally^[rx] owing to their seed size being large enough to be worth harvesting; in other pines, the seeds are also edible but are too small to be of notable value as human food.

Pinus pinea, in the family Pinaceae, is a species of pine tree that is native to the Mediterranean region existing in Israel, Southern Europe, Syria, and Lebanon. Other names include European Stone Pine, Mediterranean Stone Pine, Italian Stone Pine, Parasol Pine, Stone Pine, Pignolia- Nut Pine, and Umbrella Pine. Chinese pine nuts, European stone pine nuts, Himalayan or Chilgoza pine nuts, Siberian pine nuts, and Pinon or pinyon pine nuts are the varieties of pine nuts. It is a bushy globe in the young, umbrella canopy in mid-age, and broad or flat crown above 8 meters wide when matured.

It is an erect, ornamental, evergreen, slender, monoecious tree that has thick, plated, fissured, red to brown to orange along with black edges. The plant grows upto 20-25 m in height with a 1 m diameter of a single trunk. It produces an oval to the rounded cone. The cones are broad, ovoid, and 8-15 cm (3.1-5.9 inches) long. It has yellow, short, and cylindrical pollen cones. The seed cones are flat, ovoid, 8-15 cm long; 13 cm wide; symmetrical, reddish-brown or shiny brown, and smooth. There are two egg-shaped seeds that are pale brown, large, 15-20 mm long, and 8-10 mm wide. Leaves are 10-18(-28) cm long; 1.5 mm thick, blue to green, and glossy. Buds are 1 cm long with brown scales.

History

It is indigenous to the Mediterranean region existing in Israel, Southern Europe, Syria, and Lebanon. It got naturalized in North Africa, South Africa, the Canary Islands, and New South Wales. It was introduced to North Africa millennia. Since prehistoric times, it was cultivated for its edible pine nuts. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in the world. Pine nuts were cultivated for over 6000 years in Europe for over 6,000 years in Europe.

Nutritional Value

The serving size of one cup (135 grams) covers 92.3 grams of total fat, 18.48 grams of protein, 17.66 grams of carbohydrate, 3.5 grams of ash, 5 grams of total dietary fiber, 4.66 grams of sucrose, 4.85 grams of total sugars, 0.09 grams of fructose and 1.93 grams of starch. The same amount grants amino acids such as 0.144 grams of tryptophan, 0.5 grams of threonine, 0.732 grams of isoleucine, 1.338 grams of leucine, 0.729 grams of lysine, 0.35 grams of methionine, 0.39 grams of cysteine, and others.

Health Benefits of Pine nuts

Pine nuts have a high amount of proteins and oleic acid which is a monosaturated fat that enhances the poisonous triglycerides. It helps to lower cholesterol and prevent the damage of arteries by preventing heart problems. It is rich in antioxidants that prevent the damage of free radicals. It is loaded with nutrients by raising the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Pine nuts contain magnesium that helps to alleviate fatigue, muscle cramps, and tension. It possesses a mild and nutty flavor.

1. Lose weight

Consuming pine nuts helps to lose weight. The research shows that the fatty acids found in Pine nuts help to release the high concentration of cholecystokinin which is the hormone that suppresses appetite. The research shows that those who intake three grams of pinolenic acid in the breakfast, their food absorption in the food and reduce the intake of food by about 37 percent.

2. Enhance energy

Pine nuts possess the nutrients that help to enhance energy such as protein, monounsaturated fat, and iron. It is a great source of magnesium whose deficiency could result in fatigue. The intake of one and a half cups of Pine nuts helps to provide an adequate amount of magnesium.

3. Reduce heart ailments

Pine nuts possess synergistic compounds that help to enhance heart health. It also contains magnesium, monounsaturated fat, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, and manganese. Pinolenic acid found in Pine nuts helps to enhance the level of cholesterol and also lowers the LDL cholesterol by promoting the LDL uptake of the liver.

4. Anti-aging

Pine nuts possess antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, B, E, D, and lutein. Antioxidants are essential to eliminate free radicals that are associated with the slowdown of heart ailments. Antioxidants help to defend the cells adjacent to the attack by the reactive oxygen species. The body produces antioxidant enzymes that help to control the harmful chain reactions of free radicals.

5. Vision

Pine nuts possess lutein which is a carotenoid that helps to eliminate eye ailments such as macular degeneration. The progression of AMD leads to the development of fluid and blood in the retina which could cause further damage. The studies show that the intake of foods high in nutrients helps to reduce the chances of AMD.

6. Bone health

Manganese is required for the growth of the human bones structure. It helps to aid the rising mineral density of the spinal bones. Most people when going through menopause suffer from manganese deficiency so a high intake of minerals is essential to prevent fractures. The research shows that manganese helps to prevent osteoporosis and also slows down its progress. (1)

7. Level of sugar

Manganese helps to control the sugar level in the human blood. It also prevents the chances of diseases such as diabetes. Manganese normalizes the secretion and synthesis of insulin and also the uncertain drops in the blood sugar that provides normal life for diabetic patients. (2)

8. Treats epilepsy

The deficiency of manganese could provoke epileptic seizures. The supplements of manganese could control major or minor epileptic seizures. Manganese acts as a vasodilator property and is a key for anti-epileptic properties. (3)

9. Lower inflammation

Manganese is an aid for sprains and inflammation by increasing superoxide dismutase level which is due to the presence of antioxidant properties. The arthritis patients have a low amount of Superoxide dismutase (SOD. The arthritis patients should add manganese to the diet to raise the function and synthesis of SOD which is associated with lowering the symptoms. (4)

10. Thyroid ailments

Manganese is essential for various enzymes and is required for thyroxine which is a vital hormone in the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland and hormonal synthesis should function properly to eliminate the health problems such as appetite, weight loss, the efficiency of organ systems and metabolism. (5)

Traditional uses

• The turpentine is considered as an antiseptic, rubefacient, diuretic and vermifuge.
• Its internal use helps to treat bladder and kidney complaints.
• It is used as a rub or steam bath for treating rheumatic affections.
• It helps to treat respiratory ailments such as colds, coughs, tuberculosis, and influenza.
• It is used externally as an aid for wounds, skin complaints, sores, scald, burns and boils.
• It is also used as liniment plasters, herbal steam baths, poultices, and inhalers.
• The essential oil and pine nut powder is used as dietary supplements.
• Pine nuts are used in homeopathic medicine to increase stamina and energy.

Precautions                                                                                               

• Some might have experience with pine nuts.
• The reactions might be skin itching, anaphylactic manifestations, pain abdomen, breathing difficulty, abdominal cramps, watery eyes, dizziness, runny nose, red rashes, diarrhea, and vomiting.

How to Eat

• The kernels are consumed raw, roasted, or added to sweetmeats, puddings, cakes, stuffing, sauces, and soups.
• Pine nuts are added to fish, meat, vegetable dishes, salads and baked into bread.
• In Spain, a sweet is topped with pine nuts which are painted with egg and then cooked lightly.
• Pine nuts are used in the cuisines of the Middle East like kibbeh, sambusek, and desserts such as baklava.
• Seeds are used as a staple food or delicious snack.
• Seeds are added to ice cream, puddings, cakes, etc.
• The grounded seeds are used as a flavoring for soups.
• It is widely used in Italian and French dishes.
• Pine nuts are added to sweet desserts in Middle Eastern cuisines.
• They are used in granolas, cookies, biscuits, chocolates and to prepare energy bars.
• The nuts are sprinkled over the vegetable or fruit salads.
• The oil of pine nuts is used in cooking and salad dressing cooking.
• It is an essential ingredient in the Italian pesto sauce
• The seeds are widely used to prepare pasta, meat curries, and pesto.
• The chopped pine nuts are sprinkled over sundaes, yogurt and ice cream, biscuits, granola, and cookies.
• It is also used in chocolates.

Other Facts

• The pine nuts are the seeds that are produced by pine trees.
• All species of Pine trees do not produce seeds.
• The nuts are edible.
• Pine nuts could be eaten raw, cooked, or toasted.
• Pine nuts are added to desserts and entrees.
• It contains a high amount of vitamins, monounsaturated fat, and protein.
• Pine nuts are quite popular in Europe, the US, and Asia.
• The pines have scaly and thick bark.
• The woods of pine trees are used to manufacture furniture, roofs, railroad trails, floors, and ship parts.

Types of Pine Nuts

1. Chinese pine nuts 

It has a short triangular and teardrop shape and is cultivated in Northeast China, Korean peninsular, southeast Russia, and Japan.

2. European stone pine nuts 

It is from Spain, Greece, Italy, the Middle East, Southern France, North Africa, and Turkey. It is long and has a torpedo shape in comparison to the Chinese nuts.

3. Siberian pine nuts 

It is found in South to Central Siberia and Russian Fareast. It is small and round which is regarded as a food of high status with health benefits.

4. Chilgoza or Himalayan pine nuts

It is a bit longer and slender in comparison to others. It was harvested from the forests of Afghanistan, Northern India, and Pakistan.

5. Pinon or pinyon pine nuts (Pinus monophylla, Pinus edulis)

It is the nuts of medium size. The largest variety of pine species in the world is Mexico but some ranges have been restricted to producing edible nuts which are important locally. One produce pink pine nut and the other produce the largest pine nuts in the world. California produces three species such as Pinus sabiniana, Pinus coulteri, and Pinus torreyana that helps to produce pine nuts that are edible and historically used by Native Americans.

6. Swiss nut pine 

It is available in the Mountains of Central Europe. It has purple cones and nuts of a bright tan color. Italians use the shells of nut shells to provide flavor and color to local grappa.

Recipe of Pine Nuts

1. Pine Nut Pasta

Ingredients

• 200 grams of cooked pasta
• 5 tbsp. of olive oil
• 2/3 cup of pine nuts (roasted)
• 2/3 cups of  tomatoes (sun-dried)
• ¼ cup  parsley
• 1/8 cup of basil leaves
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. A large pan should be heated over medium heat.
2. Then three tablespoons of olive oil should be added.
3. The cooked pasta should be added and stir-fried till it turns light brown in color.
4. Add olive oil, pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. It should be stir-fried for some minutes and parsley, pasta, basil, and parmesan cheese should be added.
6. Then sprinkle pepper, salt and toss well. Serve it hot.

2. Avocado Salad with Pine Nuts

Ingredients

• 1  green leaf lettuce
• 1 avocado (chunkly chopped)
• 1 cup of sprout (sunflower seed)
• 1  tomato (small chopped)
• 1 medium cucumber
• ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts

Dressing

• ¼ cup of olive oil
• 1/8 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Lettuce leaves should be prepared and placed in a large bowl.
2. The remaining vegetables should be cut up the remaining vegetables and added to the salad.
3. The pine nuts should be toasted in the dry skillet over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
4. Whisk olive oil with vinegar, crushed garlic, and pour it over salad. Serve immediately by making 4 servings.

3. Pine Nut Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup of almond paste
• 3/4 cup of sugar
• 6 tablespoons of softened butter
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1 large egg white
• 1/2 cup of pine nuts
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 tsp. of baking powder

Directions

1. Heat oven over 375°.
2. The almond paste should be grated on large holes of the grater box. The paste should be combined with four ingredients in a large bowl. Then keep the mixer at medium speed for about five minutes till it is fluffy and light.
3. 1/4 cup of pine nuts should be placed in a mini food processor. Beat until it is finely ground. Then lightly spoon the flour in a measuring cup (dry) and with the use of a knife level it. Mix the flour, groundnuts, and baking powder by stirring along with a whisk. Then the flour mixture should be added to the butter mixture. Reduce to low speed till combined.
4. Pile two baking sheets and line with parchment paper the top sheet. Shape the dough into 48 sized balls equal about 1 tbsp each. 3-5 of the pine nuts should be pressed to a sunburst shape on the top of every ball. Twelve balls should be kept two inches apart on the top of the baking sheet. Then bake it for fourteen minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned. Leave it to cool for about five minutes. This procedure should be repeated four times.

4. Spinach and Pine Nut Quinoa

Ingredients

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 6 ounces of spinach leaves
• ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts
• 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Quinoa should be cook quinoa with package directions and chicken broth.
2. The olive oil should be heated in a saute pan over medium to high heat. Then garlic should be added and sauteed for about 30 seconds. Saute for about five minutes by adding spinach.
3. The cooked quinoa should be poured over the medium bowl by adding spinach and other ingredients.

5. Balsamic Chicken with Pine Nuts

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (crushed)
• 4 ounces of chicken cutlets
• 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions
• 1- 2 tbsp. of toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons of chopped Italian parsley

Directions

1. Garlic, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes should be whisked together in a small bowl. Drizzle it on the cutlets of chicken in a large and shallow dish. Let it remain for about 15 minutes.
2. Mix green onions, parsley, and pine nuts in a small bowl, then set aside.
3. Chicken should be cooked over medium to high heat on the sauté pan or grill for 4 minutes (each side) till it is desired to doneness. Then top with the mixture of pine nuts.

6. Zucchini Stuffed with Pinenuts and Herbed Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• 6 small zucchinis
• 1/2 large onion (minced)
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 cup of pine nuts
• 1 cup of  brown basmati rice (cooked)
• 2 tbsp. of minced parsley
• 2 tbsp of  fresh mint (minced)
• 1 tbsp  fresh oregano (minced)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tsp. of Meyer lemon peel (grated)
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• Spray olive oil (optional)

Directions

1. The ends of Zucchini should be trimmed. The flesh of Zucchinis should be eliminated by using an apple corer. Then chop the flesh and set it aside.
2. A nonstick skillet should be heated over medium to high heat. Saute the chopped zucchini, garlic, and onions for about 3 minutes. Add the pine nuts and stir and cook another two minutes. Stir the rice and remaining ingredients after it is removed from heat.
3. The hollowed zucchini should be filled by using a small spoon and a mixture of rice. The zucchinis should be filled completely. Then spray a small amount of olive oil and place it over preheated broiled for about 10 to 15 minutes. Brush or spray them quickly with a tiny amount of olive oil, if you want, and place them in a dish beneath a preheated broiler for 10-15 minutes.

How to Prepare Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are commonly used in pesto due to their buttery taste. They also can be added to various dishes. They are delicious raw and can be easy to carry with you as a snack. You can roast pine nuts by baking them in the oven or toasting them on the stove. This process will enhance their mild flavor.

When buying pine nuts, check the expiration date to ensure you are buying fresh pine nuts. You can store pine nuts in your refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh longer. Roasting pine nuts extends their shelf life as compared to storing them raw.

Here are some ways to use pine nuts in recipes:

• Blend pine nuts with cheese, garlic, basil, cheese, and olive oil to make a pesto
• Sprinkle onto yogurt with fruit and other nuts to create a delicious parfait
• Add raw or roasted pine nuts to salads or pasta dishes
• Blend pine nuts into a homemade hummus
• Add them to vegetable side dishes such as roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or green beans
• Mix pine nuts into grain side dishes such as quinoa or rice
• Top your pizza with pine nuts for an added crunch

References

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