When Is Harvest Season for Pinon Pine Nuts in Colorado?

Harvest pinon nuts between Labor Day and mid-November.

Visit Southern Colorado in the fall and you'll find commercial groups and private harvesters alike scouring the brush for pinon nuts. These small nuts come from the pine cones of the pinon tree and are used in desserts, breads, salads and pesto.

Time Frame

Harvest times vary from year to year, depending on the weather and other environmental factors. Typically, harvest time runs from Labor Day through October. Occasionally, harvesters may find pinon nuts as late as November.

Expert Insight

Pinon nut gathering is a yearly tradition for many Native American and Hispanic families in Southern Colorado, according to the Edible Communities website. Harvest times and locations are not published, but announced by word of mouth. However, the website Pinon Nuts offers detailed information on harvest times and locations in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management.

Considerations

The Bureau of Land Management allows private harvesters to collect up to 75 pounds of pinon nuts annually for personal use without a permit. Commercial harvesters or private harvesters picking large quantities must obtain a permit. The bureau charges commercial pickers 20 cents per pound with a $20 minimum.

References

• Pinon Nuts: Laws, Permits and Harvesting Guidelines
• Pinon Nuts: 2008 Regional Harvest Forecast
• Edible Communities: Tips for Harvesting Pine Nuts

Resources

• Pinon Nuts: Cooking with Pinon Nuts