Pine Nuts

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The amazing taste of Pine nuts, their crunchy texture and a huge amount of useful fats, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, are the reason why these small seeds are extremely valued by culinary masters around the world and an important ingredient in our healthy diet.

Pine nuts in fact, they are the seeds of Siberian pine or 20 different species of pine cones, fruits of trees of the family Pinaceae, genus Pinus. Cedar nuts are delicious edible seeds and are also known as cedar seeds.

In Europe, cedar nuts come from the Italian pine (Pinus pinea) - a type of coniferous tree, reaching a height of 20 meters, which has an interesting umbrella-like crown. The nuts that the pinata gives are about 2 cm in size and have a flat oval elongated shape. Lower yield comes from the so-called. Silver fir. Worldwide, however, cedar nuts grown in northern China, where Korean pine is grown, are of the greatest importance.

The trees from which the larger and more valuable ones are collected Pine nuts, are about 20 in number. There are other species whose seeds are edible, but their size is too small. And although cedar nuts are called "nuts," botanical laws dictate that they are actually seeds.

History does not remember when people first began to assimilate the taste and health qualities of cedar nuts, but there are claims that point to the legendary healer Avicenna as one of the first to learn about the benefits of these tree seeds.

Composition of cedar nuts

Pine nuts they hide an invaluable and rich palette of useful substances. They are the most caloric among all nuts, as well as the richest in easily digestible proteins among them. Proteins are high in amino acids, including arginine.

As many as 19 amino acids contain it can be found in cedar nuts, and about 70% of them are essential. The monounsaturated fatty acids in them are extremely important for the good functioning of the heart, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The small and tasty seeds are also an excellent source of cellulose.

Cedar seeds are an excellent source of plant nutrients, important minerals and vitamins, oils and proteins. Accent in the set of useful substances are fat-soluble vitamins E and F. Cedar nuts are carriers of B vitamins, and at the same time are full of antioxidants and minerals - potassium, magnesium, a lot of iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iodine, silicon, manganese, barium, titanium, silver, aluminum, cobalt, sodium, iodides, etc.

They are a source of vitamin K, lutein and vitamin A, which are important for eye health..

In 100 g Pine nuts contains 780 kcal, 28 g protein, 90 g fat, 18 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber. The same amount of cedar seeds brings to our body about 31 g of protein - a champion in protein content among all other nuts.

Selection and storage of cedar nuts

If not packaged, bulk can be found on the market Pine nutswhich can be purchased from almost any nut kiosk. Their price in bulk is solid - about BGN 10 per 100 g. When choosing cedar nuts, be sure to ask the seller to give you a try, because sometimes they are not of good quality due to improper storage.

Cedar nuts are offered mainly peeled, which somewhat shortens their shelf life. Their shell must be removed before consuming them, but keep in mind that peeled cedar nuts do not have much durability. It is best to store them in the refrigerator, where they last a long time.

Culinary use of cedar nuts

Pine nuts are a trademark of Mediterranean cuisine. They have a unique and pleasant taste and are highly valued in cooking around the world. Italians regularly add cedar nuts in the preparation of dishes of various meats, fish, pasta or vegetables. Nuts are a common finish to many salads.

In addition to salads, cedar nuts go very well in rice with saffron and some sauces. They are a fundamental ingredient in the original recipe for the Italian Pesto sauce. Their widespread use in the cuisine of southwestern France is the reason for the creation of many culinary masterpieces.

However, cedar nuts are widely used in confectionery and in the preparation of various sweet temptations. Traditional Italian biscuits are made with roasted and ground cedar nuts. Small flat grains are added quite often in chocolate specialties or some varieties of syrupy cakes, such as baklava.

Benefits of cedar nuts

Regular consumption does not Pine nuts can bring you huge benefits. Due to the abundance of antioxidants, pine nuts slow down the aging process of the body. The high content of lutein, which is very important against eye congestion, protects our vision and prevents the development of eye diseases.

Pine nuts can protect us from eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts, to which vitamin A in the form of beta carotene contained in pine nuts also contributes.

As early as the Middle Ages, the fame of cedar nuts spread everywhere because of their ability to maintain libido in satisfactory shape. Due to the rich content of zinc in the nuts of cones, male potency is in excellent condition.

Daily enough between 5 to 20 g, which is equivalent to about 4 tsp. The abundance of vitamin E in cedar nuts is extremely important. This vitamin, for example, is needed for the formation of breast milk in breastfeeding women, and its deficiency stops lactation.

Vitamins from group E or play a role in fertility. The word "tocopherol" itself translated from Greek means "bearer of inheritance". Vitamin E also has the function of maintaining the balance of fats in our body.

B-complex vitamins are important for the good functioning of the nervous system, heart, overall development in adolescents, blood condition. B vitamins are a good helper against infectious, parasitic, cardiovascular diseases, bone and joint problems and have a preventive effect against the appearance of bone and joint problems.

Although rich in fat, pine nuts are a source of beneficial unsaturated fats, which are so important for the body. On top of that, they will not only not make us gain weight, but on the contrary - will help us lose weight. Pinolenic acid is an effective appetite suppressant because it activates the release of two hormones that suppress hunger - cholecystokinin (CCK) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

Monounsaturated fats, which are rich in cedar nuts, are quite good for the heart, lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart attack. The complex of other vitamins and minerals contributes to the overall good functioning of the cardiovascular system.

The iron in cedar nuts is an important element for the proper functioning of many processes in the body. If we take enough iron, we will be protected against depression, apathy and general fatigue and lack of mood.

Harm from pine nuts

Pine nuts can cause a problem in people who are allergic to certain other types of nuts. This is due to the high content of proteins that turn cedar seeds into a strong allergen. Remember that although very tasty, they are quite high in calories and should be eaten in moderation.50 g of cedar nuts in combination with some other types of nuts are the sufficient dose per day.

If you suspect that you are allergic to pine nuts and do not know if pine nuts will not harm you, you can try a very small amount of them for the first time. If no reaction occurs within a few days, increase the dose gradually.