What Is a Pine Nut?

Pine nuts can be found in many foods around the world, and, in addition, can be found in grocery stores, health food stores and coffee shops all over the United States. The pine nut is common, and while it may not be something you have used in your own cooking or household, chances are you've at least heard of the pine nut.

Definition

The pine nut is actually not a nut, but, rather, it is an edible seed from the pine tree. There are only a handful of pine trees that produce seeds big enough to eat.

Location

Pine nuts are harvested mainly in Europe and Asia, and in America there are three types of pinyon pines that produce edible pine nuts.

The Process

Pine nuts grow in a shell and must be harvested and then unshelled to be used for cooking and eating. Pine nuts with the shell removed can last for a long time as a food staple.

Nutrition

The pine nut makes a healthy snack or cooking ingredient as it is high in both protein and fiber.

Uses

The pine nut can be pressed to produce a light cooking oil. It is used to flavor a number of Mediterranean dishes, such as couscous. It can be roasted to produce pinon coffee; and it can even be combined with various cereals and grains to make healthy trail mix snacks.