FAMOUS pine nuts from New Mexico (Pinus edulis). Buttery flavor, known as Indian walnuts on the east coast, harvested by hand, wild. Several species of pine trees produce edible nuts, which are considered a delicacy. The main producers are China, North Korea, the Russian Federation, Pakistan and Afghanistan; in the Mediterranean (Pinus pinea), the main producing countries are Italy, Turkey, Spain and Portugal.
Approximately 20 species produce edible seeds that are economically viable for consumption, of which only P. sibirica is known to be important internationally because of its edible seeds. However, there are other species of pine nuts that are consumed locally where they are produced. Many importers of pine nuts are also packers, engaged in processing, trading and wholesale distribution.
In Europe, pine harvesting is allowed between December and March to avoid illegal harvesting before full maturity. Being able to choose between a bag of French fries in a heated store and refrigerated pine nuts from an almost frozen street vendor, Mongols know that there is no competition. In Europe, this is usually done mechanically, but in other countries the seeds are extracted manually by hitting the cones with wooden sticks. The calculation of margins based on the final retail prices of pine nuts is not indicative, since product prices vary throughout the sector depending on the region and the harvest season.
Keep in mind that the portion of the retail price paid to farmers varies greatly between producer countries. However, in most cases, for example with Chilgoza pine nuts, the cones are roasted to release the seeds. Chilgoza pine is a resilient tree and can withstand excessive droughts, strong winds and intense cold in winter. Eating too many pine nuts can leave a bitter metallic taste in your mouth for a few days or even two weeks.
Consumer demand for vegan, gluten-free and natural foods opens up opportunities in the European market for exporters of pine nuts. The global demand for pesto and Mediterranean cuisine has led to an extensive harvest of pine nuts in some regions. While some upscale restaurants offered western-style pine nuts, sprinkled frugally on pasta, street vendors sold them by the bag. I knew pineapples as dry peels, plundered by squirrels; they were fat and ripe, with skin cushioned like a pineapple.
In any case, now you can find Italian pine nuts sold at Waymouth Farms in your country, you can ask them where they find them. There is concern that pine kernels should undergo a new food evaluation, especially since the Asian varieties used are different from the European ones. We were just a few kilometers below the border with Siberia, in a dense subarctic pine forest known as the taiga.
