What Are Pine Nuts and Why Are They So Expensive?

Sure, you love pine nuts. Who doesn’t? The delicious, tiny seeds are impossible to resist. But just how familiar are you with the pesto essential? Here’s everything you could ever want to know about pine nuts: 

What Are Pine Nuts? 

Pine nuts are the edible seeds produced by pine trees. They’re not actually nuts in the botanical sense — but they're used like nuts in a culinary sense. Pine nuts have a rich flavor and are a key ingredient in pesto.  

Where Do Pine Nuts Come From? 

Pine nuts are sourced from pine trees all over the world. There are about 20 pine tree species that produce seeds large enough to be worth harvesting, according to the USDA. China, North Korea, Pakistan, and Russia are the top pine nut exporters in the world, but they’re also harvested in Mediterranean countries (like Italy and Greece) and in the United States.

Piñon pine seeds, which are high in fats and carbohydrates, were a staple food source for Native Americans living in the Great Basin region of the southwest. 

Why Are Pine Nuts So Expensive? 

There are a few reasons why pine nuts are more expensive than other nuts and edible seeds. First, it takes quite a while to cultivate the seeds and extracting them from the pine cones is no easy feat. Of course, there’s also supply and demand to consider: Global demand for pine nuts has gone up 50 percent since 2009, according to a report by INC Technical Projects.

How to Toast Pine Nuts

Toasting pine nuts brings out their signature buttery flavor. It’s easy to toast pine nuts at home, but be careful: They burn quickly. 

The best way to toast pine nuts is on the stove. Simply cook them over medium-low heat until they’re golden brown (about 3-5 minutes), stirring or tossing occasionally to make sure they’re evenly toasted. 

Pine Nut Substitute

Good pine nut substitutes include almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews. They can be substituted in most cases using a 1:1 ratio (if your recipe calls for a cup of pine nuts, use a cup of the alternative). But what if you’re cooking for someone with a nut allergy? Sunflower seeds are also a good alternative. 

Pine Nut Recipes

Hungry after all of this pine nut talk? Try one of these top-rated pine nut recipes:

• Pesto
• Pignoli Cookies
• Elegant Orzo with Wilted Spinach and Pine Nuts
• Spinach and Pine Nuts
• Joe’s Hummus With Pine Nuts