PINE NUTS
Pine Nuts
NATURAL PINE NUTS
Pine nuts are the edible seeds of the stone pine, Pinus pinea L., a species in the Pinaceae family. They are among the oldest and most valuable fruits of the Mediterranean, already used by ancient Greeks and Romans as an energy source and ingredient in sweet and savoury recipes.
The stone pine is a long-lived tree that can survive for more than three centuries and is recognised by its characteristic umbrella-shaped crown, typical of coastal landscapes in central Italy and southern Europe. Cones take around three years to mature and open naturally, releasing the seeds protected by a hard, dark shell.
Harvesting takes place from October to March, after the cones have been sun-dried. Processing is largely manual: the seeds are extracted, shelled and sorted by size.
The yield is minimal—about 3–4 kg of pine nuts from 100 kg of cones—explaining their high market value.
Since ancient times, pine nuts have symbolised abundance and fertility. Today, they are a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine, featured in traditional recipes like Ligurian pesto, Tuscan castagnaccio and numerous gourmet dishes.
Try toasted pine nuts in pesto, salads or vegetable dishes, or use them in both sweet and savoury preparations.
September 2025
Pinus pinea grows naturally along the Mediterranean coast on sandy soils and in temperate climates. Major global producers also include China, Russia, Mongolia and North Korea, where similar species such as Pinus koraiensis and Pinus sibirica are cultivated. European pine nuts, though smaller in volume, are renowned for their distinctive aroma and balanced oil content.
In Italy, the main growing areas are Tuscany (San Rossore, Maremma), Lazio, Campania and Sardinia, where century-old pine groves are still managed and harvested. Spain and Portugal also boast a strong tradition.
The main types are:
• Pinus pinea, the Mediterranean species, with large, sweet seeds and a light, thin shell;
• Pinus koraiensis and Pinus sibirica, from northern Asia, with smaller seeds and a slightly resinous flavour.
Econoce organic pine nuts come from selected Mediterranean pinewoods, where natural ripening ensures full-bodied, aromatic seeds of exceptional quality.
Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the species. NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) represents the daily recommended intake for each nutrient; 100 % NRV is the minimum advisable amount, not a limit.
SINU recommends a daily serving of 30 g of nuts or dried fruit.
A varied, balanced diet and active lifestyle are key to wellbeing.
PINE NUTS
| Nutrition declaration | average values per 100 g: |
| Energy | 2646 kJ / 594 kcal |
| Fat | 48 g |
| of which saturates | 5,4 g |
| Carbohydrate | 4,3 g |
| of which sugars | 1,6 g |
| Fibre | 4,6 g |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Salt | 0,01 g |
*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value.
Store pine nuts in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. Due to their high content of unsaturated fats, they are sensitive to oxidation: refrigeration during warm months is recommended.
Glass containers are ideal, as they protect from air and humidity; coloured glass shields the seeds from light, preserving their flavour and nutritional integrity.
After opening, always close the container tightly to prevent rancidity and maintain crunchiness.
