How to Toast Pine Nuts in the Oven

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By Langley Cornwell
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toasted pine nuts

Pine nuts are universally enjoyed. Popular in Asia and all of Europe, particularly Italy, pine nuts have a long and interesting history. In fact, humans have consumed pine nuts since prehistoric times.

A healthy addition to your diet, pine nuts are high in protein and vitamins C, A, E and D. Pine nuts contain monounsaturated fat and are a good source of iodine, amino acids, lecithin and additional antioxidants as well as micronutrients and minerals. So many benefits from such a small nut!

There are many ways to enjoy pine nuts but lightly toasting them is recommended for most uses. Oven toasting pine nuts enhances their light and nutty flavor and adds a rich character to their sweet and delicate taste. Here is an easy technique for toasting pine nuts in the oven.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pine nuts
Oven
Cookie sheet with sides
Timer

Step 1

~ Preheat the oven to 350° F (180° C).

~ Select a baking sheet with side walls so the pine nuts do not spill when you stir them.
Step 2

~ Pick through the pine nuts, removing broken pieces, until you have 1 cup of whole pine nuts. (The broken pieces toast too fast and the final results will not be uniform).

~ Place 1 cup of pine nuts onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 3

~ Toast the pine nuts in preheated oven for 6 - 10 minutes. Stir the pine nuts occasionally during toasting.

~ Remove from oven when the pine nuts are a uniform golden brown. Keep a close watch. If unsure, remember it’s better to remove the pine nuts when they are slightly under-toasted.
Step 4

~ Immediately move toasted pine nuts to a plate or bowl. If left on the hot cookie sheet they may continue to brown-off after removing them from the oven.

Tips & Warnings

Oven toasted pine nuts are one of the main ingredients in pesto.
Toasted pine nuts make a wonderful addition to salads, vegetables or even deserts.
Add oven toasted pine nuts to soups and stews.
For maximum crunch, add toasted pine nuts to a dish just before serving.
Toasted pine nuts will stay fresh in an airtight container for a few weeks.
If cooking for guests, inform them when you serve toasted pine nuts. Those who are allergic to peanuts or other common nuts may also be allergic to pine nuts.