*Pine nuts are edible seeds of pine trees of family Pinaceae.

*They are also know as pinon nuts, pignoli, pignolia, pignons, Indian nuts, Mexican nut pine, silver pine, stone pine etc.

*The pine nuts are actually inside the pine cone, and must be heated to facilitate their removal, and it is a very labor-intensive process and that is what makes these nuts so expensive.

*They have a sweet taste, with a light and delicate flavor, and are a pale cream color.

*Although a nut in the culinary sense, in the botanical sense they are seeds (and is a gymnosperm).

*The shell must be removed before the pine nut can be eaten.

*Shelled nuts (and even unshelled nuts in warm conditions) deteriorate rapidly becoming rancid because of the high fat content within a few weeks or even days in warm humid conditions.

*Unshelled pine nuts have a long shelf life if kept dry and refrigerated for up to 3 months, frozen for up to 9 months.

*Be sure to buy them from stores with a quick turnover rate.

*Number of nuts per serving is 157.

Are they raw?

Yes and No.
*Yes, if picked fresh or if it says raw or sundried on the package.
*No, because sometimes the pine nuts at the supermarkets are roasted and salted. Make sure you read the label.

Health Benefits

1. Pine nuts have a very high protein content.

2. They have a high content of monounsaturated fats and hence are good for the heart.

3. Has vitamin D that leads to stronger bones and teeth by improving body's ability to absorb calcium.

4. Vitamins A helps in improving and sharpening the eye sight and vitamin C enhances the immune system.

5. Good source of vitamin E and phytosterols, which are natural antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals that oxidize fats, thus protecting our body.

6. Good source of vitamin K, which helps in coagulation of blood.

7. Good sources of B group vitamins which enhances the production of energy in the body.

8. Good sources of various minerals that play a vital role in metabolism.

9. Good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, which promotes satiety and feeling fuller for a long time.

10. Naturally free of cholesterol and trans fats.

11. Regular consumption may aid in weight loss and maintenance.