Pine Nuts

Prime Grade A — wild-collected, China • sweet, buttery & aromatic

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of stone pines. Harvesting is labor-intensive and still largely done by hand. Their sweet, buttery flavor and tender crunch make them essential in Mediterranean cooking—especially classic pesto—while also elevating salads, pasta, roasted vegetables and baking.

• Botany: seed of pine cones (typically Pinus spp.)
• Origin/Provenance: China (wild collection)
• Taste & texture: sweet, nutty, buttery; tender crunch
• Best for: pesto, salads, pasta, pilafs, roasted veg, pastries

Culinary Uses

• Toast to awaken flavor: dry-toast in a skillet 1–3 minutes until lightly golden, shaking often.
• Classic pesto: blend toasted pine nuts with basil, olive oil, hard cheese and garlic.
• Salads & pasta: scatter over tomato–mozzarella, leafy salads, or toss through pasta with roasted veg.
• Baking: fold into biscotti, cakes or sprinkle on focaccia before baking.
• Vegetables & grains: finish roasted pumpkin, carrots, green beans, couscous or rice pilaf.

How to Use

• Portion guide: 1–2 Tbsp per portion for salads/pasta; 2–3 Tbsp per 500 g vegetables or grains.
• Add at the end: keep crunch by adding after cooking or just before serving.
• Grinding: for sauces, pulse briefly—over-processing can release too much oil.

Pairings

Basil, parsley, lemon zest/juice, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, honey; cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano, pecorino), olive oil; with pasta, fish, chicken and vegetables.

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Pine nuts (100%), shelled.

Allergens: nuts (pine nuts).

Storage & Shelf Life

Store airtight, cool and dry, away from light. Due to natural oils, pine nuts can turn rancid—use within a few months. For longer storage, refrigerate (up to several months) or freeze (airtight) to preserve freshness.

Substitutes

For pesto & salads: walnuts or almonds (different flavor, similar texture). For baking: blanched almonds or chopped cashews. Adjust salt and acidity to taste.

FAQ

Do I have to toast pine nuts?
Not required, but light toasting intensifies sweetness and aroma.

When do I add them to hot dishes?
Add at the end or as a topping to keep their delicate crunch.

Why store them in the fridge or freezer?
Their high oil content makes them delicate—cool storage helps prevent rancidity.

Merchant contact: Orlandosidee — Spice Shop (see site imprint for full company details). Email: info(at)orlandosidee.de