Real pine nuts can be identified by their elongated shape. The seeds of the Korean pine (P. koraiensis) are also known as “pine nuts”, but they are less aromatic and stand out for their compact, almost triangular shape. Both have a high fat content in common, which makes them rancid quickly.

Besides the peeled seeds, the whole pine cones are also traded, which are cut by the “Pineros” with a pole from the tree. With warmth and dry air the cones open crackling. The black layer on the seeds looks like ash and can be easily wiped off.

Pine nuts are usually roasted briefly in a pan and added as a seasoning ingredient to rice dishes, pesto and stewed leafy vegetables. They are also used to make sweets.

• Edible Seeds
• Type of Fruit Cone
• Culinary Group Nuts
• Taste nutty resinous
• Trivial Names Pinie, Pinenkerne, Italienische Steinkiefer, Mittelmeer-Kiefer, Schirm-Kiefer, Stone pine, Italian stone pine, umbrella pine and parasol pine, Pin parasol, Pin pignon, Pino domestico
• Size (Cone) 12 cm
• Taxonomy Pinaceae (Pine family) Pinus pinea
• Origin Mediterraneum (Map)
• Locality Market 2015