Pine nut

The seeds of several pine trees are sold under one culinary name - the type of tree should be clarified before the country.

Siberian and Korean pines, Mediterranean pine and Himalayan chilgoza produce different seeds. This is not one variety grown in different countries.

Forest harvesting and growing in managed areas requires its own traceability. The place of recycling does not always coincide with the place of collection.

History

Why is it pine

Edible seeds develop in the cones of several Pinus species. The culinary name “cedar” does not mean that it belongs to the true Cedrus cedars.

Forest product with international trade

FAO views pine seeds as an important non-timber forest product: with the sale of nuts comes the challenge of sustainable forest management.

Regions and differences

Documented growing regions

The map shows examples and important areas, not all countries or global market shares. Coordinates are approximate. The origin and characteristics of our batch are confirmed separately.

Siberia, Russia

Region of the Siberian pine Pinus sibirica.

It is a different species compared to the Mediterranean Pinus pinea.

For a repeatable recipe, keep the type of raw material if specified.

Far East, Russia

Siberian pine-broadleaf forests with Korean pine; FAO describes nut harvesting areas.

The collection is related to the management of the forest resource, and not necessarily to the garden.

Ask for confirmation of collection area and processor.

China, Korean pine areas, China

FAO documents the production and international trade of Pinus koraiensis seeds.

A common trade name may hide different species; country does not replace the botanical indication.

Check the type of seeds and delivery specifications.

Mediterranean pine forests, Spain

Pinus pinea is a pine tree whose kernels have their own trading history.

Pine nut seeds should be distinguished from Siberian and Korean pine nuts.

For a Mediterranean recipe, look for Pinus pinea directly listed.

Waziristan and Balochistan, Pakistan

Mountain forests of Chilgoza Pinus gerardiana near the border with Afghanistan.

Chilgoza is an independent type of pine seed, and not a caliber of Siberian nut.

Please check the type when comparing size and price.

• Afghanistan
• India

Types and processing

In a shell

The nutritional weight is determined after cleaning.

Feeding followed by removal of kernels.

Purified kernels

Ready to weigh out; The type of pine remains an important characteristic.

Pesto, baked goods, sprinkles.

Lightly toasted

A short heating will change the aroma of the finished topping.

Add to the finished dish; not to be confused with industrial drying.

Drying this product

How to choose

• Specify Pinus sibirica, koraiensis, pinea or gerardiana if the seller declares the species.
• Do not consider the country of packaging as a forest collection site.
• To purchase in shell, compare the kernel yield.

In the catalog

• Pine nut