Pine nut

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees (Family Pinaceae), particularly (in the U.S) the nut pines or Piñon pines (Pinus edulus and Pinus monophylla), and the Digger pine (Pinus sabiniana). They are also known as Indian nuts, as they were harvested and eaten by Native American tribes. In Europe, pine nuts usually come from the Stone pine (Pinus pinea), which is cultivated for the nuts. Pine nuts are also called pignolia nuts in Europe.

Pine nuts are high in protein, and have been eaten in Europe since the days of the Roman Empire. They are also a source of dietary fiber. Pine nuts are frequently added to meat, fish, and vegetable dishes, and are used in chocolates. They are an essential component of pesto.

When first extracted from the pine cone, pine nuts are covered with a hard, thin reddish-brown shell. Unshelled pine nuts have a long shelf life, but the shell must be removed before the nut is eaten. Pine nuts are commercially available in shelled form.

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The seeds of the monkey puzzle tree (Araucaria araucana) of Chile and the bunya-bunya pine of New Zealand (Araucaria bidwillii) are also sometimes called pine nuts.