Spanish pine nuts are the ultimate pine nut. Only about 20 species of pine trees in the world produce pine nuts that are of sufficient size for productive harvesting. In Spain, pine nuts come from the Pinus pinea or Stone pine. This species can reach a height of 25 meters and is well-known for its umbrella-shaped canopy and longevity. It can live as long as 500 years. It needs plenty of light if it is to fruit and mostly grows on plains or low slopes. The pine cones mature in the third year producing large, flavorsome pine nuts inside a hard shell. They are known in Spanish as Piñones Reales (royal nuts), this being the designation used on the international market for the pine nut produced in Spain, which is the leading producer of this variety. Pine nuts are an essential ingredient of traditional Spanish pastries such as panellets, otherwise known as empiñonados. These are balls of marzipan coated with pine nuts and are a frequent dessert in Spain at Christmas time, alongside turrón and other almond-based candies. In Castile-Leon, pine nuts are a characteristic ingredient of cured pork sausages and blood sausages. Pine nuts are perfect for sprinkling on salads, adding to pasta recipes, and blending into pesto. With a mellow rich flavor, pine nuts also are great for baking. These mighty nuts are a good source of protein and provide a source of fiber and iron. Pine nuts are sodium free, cholesterol free, and additive free with no trans fats.
Trustpilot
1 month ago
4 days ago
