Pine nuts come from the seeds of certain species of pine trees. These seeds grow inside pine cones and are harvested once mature. The pine trees that produce edible pine nuts are mainly found in regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. Key sources of pine nuts include:
- The European stone pine (Pinus pinea), native to the Mediterranean region, known for cultivation for over 5,000 years.
- The Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) and chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) from northeastern Asia and the western Himalayas.
- Pinyon pine species, such as the Colorado pinyon, found mainly in the southwestern United States.
- Other pine species producing edible nuts are found in China, Russia, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mexico, and parts of Europe.
Pine nuts are typically extracted from dried cones by shaking or cracking them to release the seeds. The seeds are small, rich in fats, and valued for their flavor in cuisines such as pesto. These nuts have a long history of use, dating back thousands of years, including as a food for ancient Roman soldiers and Native American tribes.
