How to Harvest Piñon Pine Nuts
Two species of pine native to the US produce pinon nuts. Harvesting the cones and collecting the seeds is simple, but requires some degree of persistence and preparation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pruning hook with an extensible handle
- A basket
- Heavy paper bags
- Heat source: charcoal fire, or an oven
- Citrus oil based cleaning product.
Instructions
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Harvesting Pinon Nuts
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1
Find a legally accessible pinon tree during late summer to late autumn.
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2
Locate cones just beginning to open.
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3
Remove cones from the tree using pruning hook.
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4
Place cones in basket.
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5
Collect any loose pine nuts that have already fallen to the ground from open cones.
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6
When home place unopened cone in heat, either near a charcoal fire or in an oven set to 225 degrees. Wait for cone petals to open.
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7
Empty nuts from open cones. Add to loose nuts in paper bags.
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8
Clean pine pitch from hands and tools using orange oil cleaning product.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Pine cones open more easily the closer they are to being ripe. When examining the tree be sure to select the most fully ripened possible. Come back again to collect more as cones ripen on tree.
Cones harvested at this time are full of pitch. Protect your car and clothes, and be ready to clean. Do not harvest on public lands without checking with land services for legality. Do not trespass on private property. Do not infringe on tribal lands.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cedar nuts image by Deil from Fotolia.com
