Pine nuts may be small, but they have a distinctive place in kitchens around the world. Known for their delicate, buttery flavor and tender texture, they're perhaps most famous as a traditional ingredient in pesto, but their uses extend far beyond it.
Unlike many of the nuts we commonly cook with, pine nuts don't grow inside a fruit. They're actually edible seeds harvested from the cones of certain pine trees — and getting those tiny seeds from tree to pantry involves a surprisingly interesting process.
In this guide, you'll learn what pine nuts are, where they come from, what they taste like, why they tend to cost more than many other nuts and seeds, how to toast them, and the many ways you can use them in everyday cooking.
What Are Pine Nuts?
Pine nuts are the edible seeds produced by certain species of pine trees.
The seeds develop inside pine cones and are protected by a hard outer shell. After the cones are harvested and the seeds are extracted, the shells are removed to reveal the small, pale kernels we know as pine nuts.
Although many species of pine trees produce seeds, only a relatively small number produce seeds large enough to be commonly harvested for food.
Pine nuts have a soft, tender texture and a mild, buttery flavor that makes them useful in everything from pesto and pasta to salads, baked goods, and vegetable dishes.
The organic pine nuts we sell are sold raw, giving you the flexibility to use them as-is or toast them at home depending on your recipe.
or learn more below.
Where Do Pine Nuts Come From?
Yes, pine nuts really do come from pine trees.
They begin as seeds tucked between the scales of pine cones. Once the cones mature, they're collected so the seeds inside can be extracted.
Those seeds aren't quite ready to eat yet. Each one is protected by an outer shell that must be removed to reveal the edible pine nut inside.
The basic journey looks something like this:
Pine Tree → Pine Cone → Seed → Shell Removed → Pine Nut
Different edible pine nut species grow in different regions of the world, and pine nuts have long been incorporated into cuisines across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, and elsewhere.
What Do Pine Nuts Taste Like?
Pine nuts have a mild, buttery and subtly nutty flavor.
Compared with larger, crunchier nuts, their texture is relatively soft and tender. This is one reason they work particularly well in blended sauces such as pesto.
Their flavor also changes when they're toasted.
Heating pine nuts until lightly golden brings out a deeper, more pronounced nutty flavor and gives the outside a slightly crisper texture.
Raw vs. Toasted Pine Nuts
Pine nuts can be enjoyed raw or toasted, and each preparation works well for different uses.
| Raw Pine Nuts | Toasted Pine Nuts |
|---|---|
| Mild, buttery flavor | Deeper, nuttier flavor |
| Soft and tender | Slightly crisp exterior |
| Pale in color | Light golden color |
| Great for blending | Great for toppings |
| Ready to use as-is | Toasted briefly before serving |
Neither preparation is necessarily better. It comes down to the recipe and the flavor and texture you're looking for.
How to Toast Pine Nuts
Toasting pine nuts is one of the simplest ways to bring out more of their flavor.
Because they're small and naturally contain oils, however, they can go from golden to overdone fairly quickly.
Step 1: Heat the Pan
Place a dry skillet over medium-low to medium heat. You generally don't need to add oil.
Step 2: Add the Pine Nuts
Spread the pine nuts into a single layer in the skillet.
Step 3: Stir Frequently
Stir or gently shake the pan frequently so the pine nuts toast evenly.
Step 4: Remove When Golden
Once they're lightly golden and fragrant, transfer them out of the hot skillet.
Don't leave them sitting in the pan after turning off the heat. Residual heat can continue to toast them.
What Can You Make With Pine Nuts?
Pine nuts are much more versatile than their association with pesto might suggest.
Popular uses include:
- Pesto
- Pasta dishes
- Salads
- Grain bowls
- Roasted vegetables
- Sauces
- Hummus
- Stuffings
- Baked goods
- Cookies
- Vegetable dishes
- Mediterranean-inspired recipes
- Middle Eastern-inspired recipes
A small handful of toasted pine nuts can also be sprinkled over a finished dish to add flavor and texture without changing the recipe itself.
Why Are Pine Nuts Used in Pesto?
Pine nuts are traditionally associated with pesto alla Genovese, the basil-based sauce originating in Genoa, Italy.
Traditional versions combine basil with pine nuts, garlic, cheese, olive oil, and salt.
Pine nuts work particularly well because of their delicate flavor and relatively soft texture. When crushed or blended with the other ingredients, they help create pesto's rich consistency without overpowering the fresh basil.
While modern pesto recipes sometimes substitute other nuts or seeds, pine nuts remain closely associated with traditional pesto Genovese.
Why Are Pine Nuts So Expensive?
There's a good reason a small bag of pine nuts can cost considerably more than many other nuts and seeds.
Getting pine nuts from a tree to your kitchen can be a lengthy and labor-intensive process.
First, pine trees take years to mature and produce harvestable cones. The cones then need to be collected, and the seeds inside must be extracted.
Even then, the process isn't finished.
Each edible seed is protected by an outer shell that needs to be removed without damaging the relatively delicate kernel inside.
There are also only certain pine species that produce seeds suitable for commercial food production.
So while pine nuts may look simple in the package, producing them involves time, harvesting, extraction, shelling, and processing — all for a relatively small amount of edible seed.
Can You Eat Pine Nuts Raw?
Yes. Pine nuts can be eaten raw and don't need to be toasted before use.
Raw pine nuts have a particularly mild flavor and soft texture, making them well suited to pesto and other recipes where they'll be blended with additional ingredients.
Toasting isn't required for safety; it's simply another way to develop their flavor and texture.
Pine Nuts in Sweet and Savory Recipes
Pine nuts aren't limited to savory cooking.
Their mild flavor means they can work surprisingly well in both directions.
Savory uses include:
- Pesto
- Pasta
- Salads
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice and grain dishes
- Stuffings
- Sauces
Sweet uses include:
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Pastries
- Tarts
- Breads
Italian pignoli cookies, for example, prominently feature pine nuts and are a classic example of using their flavor and texture in something sweet.
How to Store Pine Nuts
Because pine nuts naturally contain oils, proper storage helps preserve their flavor and quality.
Pantry
If you'll use your pine nuts relatively soon, keep them tightly sealed in a cool, dry and dark location away from heat and direct sunlight.
Refrigerator
For longer storage, pine nuts can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cold storage can be particularly useful if you buy pine nuts in larger quantities or don't plan to use them immediately.
Freezer
Pine nuts can also be frozen for longer-term storage.
Keep them tightly sealed in a freezer-safe container to help protect them from moisture and odors from other foods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pine nuts actually nuts?
Botanically, pine nuts are seeds. They're the edible seeds produced inside the cones of certain pine trees.
Do pine nuts really come from pine cones?
Yes. Pine nuts develop inside pine cones. The seeds are extracted from mature cones and then shelled to reveal the edible kernels.
What do pine nuts taste like?
Pine nuts have a mild, buttery and subtly nutty flavor with a relatively soft, tender texture.
Can you eat pine nuts raw?
Yes. Pine nuts can be enjoyed raw or toasted.
Should you toast pine nuts?
You don't have to. Toasting simply develops a deeper, nuttier flavor and slightly crisper texture.
Why are pine nuts so expensive?
Pine nuts require a relatively involved production process. Pine trees take time to produce cones, the cones must be harvested, the seeds extracted, and the shells removed before the kernels are ready to eat.
What are pine nuts used for?
Pine nuts can be used in pesto, pasta, salads, grain dishes, roasted vegetables, sauces, baked goods, cookies, and many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired recipes.
Are pine nuts used in pesto?
Yes. Pine nuts are one of the ingredients traditionally used in pesto alla Genovese.
Can you freeze pine nuts?
Yes. Pine nuts can be stored in an airtight freezer-safe container for longer-term storage.
How can you tell if pine nuts have gone bad?
Check their aroma and flavor. Pine nuts that have deteriorated may develop an unpleasant or rancid smell or taste and should be discarded.
Why Choose Organic Pine Nuts?
Organic pine nuts are a versatile pantry ingredient with a delicate flavor and texture that's difficult to replicate.
Keep them raw for their mild, buttery character, toast them to develop a deeper nutty flavor, blend them into homemade pesto, or use them to finish pasta, salads, vegetables, baked goods, and more.
Whether you're making a classic recipe or simply experimenting with something new, a small amount of pine nuts can bring distinctive flavor and texture to a wide range of dishes.
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