How to Remove Pine Nuts From the Cone

Remove the pine nuts from the prickly cones.

Squirrels gnaw on pine cones to get the nuts inside, but you do not need to be a rodent to release the pine nuts for use in cooking or snacking. Pinon pine trees grow in the southwestern United States. These trees bear the special cones from which pine nuts, also known as pinon, are harvested. Heat and ripening cause the pine cones to open, allowing the nuts to be shaken out. Use the sun to activate this heating process.

Things You'll Need

• Pinon pine cones
• Burlap sack
• Wire screen with ½ inch space in the mesh
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Place the pinon pine cones into the burlap sack in a single layer.

2. Lay the sack in the sun for several days, flipping daily.

3. Check the cones each day for the cones opening.

4. Close the end of the sack and shake the burlap sack to remove the pine nuts from the dried cones.

5. Pull the cones out by hand and pour the pine nuts through the wire mesh screen held a foot over the bowl. The lighter bracts and pieces of remaining cone will fly away while the pine nuts will fall into the bowl.

6. Eat the pine nuts raw or soak them in water and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Break the shell and spit it out before eating the nut, as you would eat sunflower seeds.

References

• BLM: Gathering Pinon Pine Nuts