Pine nuts vs cedar nuts

Most of us know mainly pine nuts, but the pine tree family is much larger and even more interesting. Piniole seeds are the seeds of selected pine species that grow all over the world. About 29 species are already known, but most of them are only available locally. 

The most popular are:

• Pine pine
• Gerard pine
• Korean pine
• Siberian pine
• Edulis pine
• Pinyoun pine

How are pine nuts made? 

The cones are knocked off the trees and gently dried in the sun to make them easier to dehusk. During this time, the cone changes its structure from compact to open. This allows access to the seeds that are inside. Then the arrays are shelled. This is often done by hand so as not to damage the peanuts. 

Why are pine nuts so expensive?

Pine has to grow for 15 to 25 years until it starts producing seeds. It's quite a long period. Therefore, part of the harvest is obtained from wild crops. Additionally, the cones mature on average for 3 years. Which further limits the availability of these delicacies. Unfortunately, all this affects the price of pine nuts.

The appearance and taste of pine nuts

Pine nuts have a fairly soft structure. The taste is slightly buttery. They can be roasted to bring out more flavor and add a little crunch.

Cedar nuts

Cedar nuts are the seeds of Siberian pine. They grow wild in Siberia. They are characterized by a more egg-shaped shape (they are not as oblong as pine nuts) and almost twice as much protein. It's hard for me to say and judge about the taste, but in my opinion they are much tastier than pine nuts. If you want to try something different, this is the perfect opportunity. They can be used as a pine substitute in any recipe. 

What to use pine nuts for?

Pine nuts are the main ingredient of real pesto and a great addition to salads. They will also work well as a snack. Just beware, they addict :)

Pesto recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 clove of garlic
• 1 bunch of fresh basil
• 1 handful of pine or cedar nuts
• 1 handful of Parmesan cheese
• 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• Sicilian lemon juice
• Himalayan salt / pepper

You can gently toast the nuts beforehand in a dry frying pan, they will be more aromatic. Remember that the nuts are quite small and there is no need to roast them until they are brown. They just need a moment in the pan.

How to prepare a pesto?

• Peel the garlic and beat it in a mortar or pestle with a pinch of salt
• Blend the basil in a mini chopper
• Add pine or cedar nuts and blend again
• Add half of the Parmesan cheese and blend again
• Add the olive oil and the rest of the Parmesan cheese and blend again
• Season with salt and pepper as you like
• If you want to liven up the pesto flavor, add a tablespoon of Sicilian lemon juice

Where to buy pine nuts?

In our store you will find pine nuts from organic farming. We also have something special, wild cedar nuts from Siberia. Only processed at low temperature (RAW), below 42 degrees. A unique product, only for connoisseurs of exceptional taste :)