Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are the seeds of any member of the pine tree family (Pinaceae). Pine nuts were commonly consumed by Native Americans. Piñon nuts (Pinus edulis) were particularly important to pre-Columbian Native Americans in the Southwest. They were eaten raw or roasted. Roasted nuts were ground into flour, then mixed with cornmeal to make bread. Pine nuts are an important wild food but have been minimally commercialized. Old World pine nuts have been imported into the United States, and Italian pignoli are the kind most commonly available here. Pignoli are sold shelled and are used in pasta dishes and sauces as well as cakes and cookies.