You may be familiar with pine nuts the teardrop-shaped, delicious little nut that is often used in making pesto and in the cooking of other dishes.
Pine nuts are small, elongated ivory-colored seeds measuring about 1/2 inch long. When raw, the seeds have a soft texture and a sweet, buttery flavor. They are often lightly toasted to bring out the flavor and to add a little crunch.
Pine nuts are eaten by many cultures around the world and are known by many names. In the U.S., the most popular use is in pesto or as a crunchy salad topper. They are also good for use in desserts like shortbread cookies and for adding a twist to hummus.
Pine nuts are a nutrient with a high nutritional value, obtained as a result of breaking the hard shells of the pine cones. This tree, which grows in all Mediterranean countries, is a large-topped pine species that can grow up to 20 m in umbrella appearance. Cone production begins after the age of 20.
