Pine nuts or pinyons are produced in the seed-bearing cone of conifers from the Pinus species of plants. They are traditionally associated with the Mediterranean, especially Italy where they have been used for over 2000 years.

In ancient Roman times they were made into wine and used in various recipes. They have been cultivated in Europe and Asia since the Palaeolithic period.

In south western parts of the United States the seed of the pinyon tree was eaten as a staple food 10,000 years ago. Still in the United States the harvesting of pine nuts is almost exclusively done by Native Americans.

Different varieties of pines have been grown and eaten in various parts of the world.  Other species provided food in Korea, China, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They have been the traditional food of nomadic tribes.

Health Information

Pine nuts contain carbohydrates and protein and also contain calcium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, vitamin A, and vitamins B1, B2, B3. They are a very good source of zinc. Click here for nutrition information.