More people are discovering the health benefits of nuts, but fewer have savored the taste of the surprisingly healthy pine nut. While often referred to as a nut, the pine nut is actually a seed derived from pinecones. Most people know pine nuts best as an ingredient in pesto sauce, but these seeds can be used in a variety of recipes or simply eaten as a snack. The health benefits of pine nuts make them a superstar in the world of seeds. They’re a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a good source of vitamins A,C, and D. Even more intriguing is the fact that studies show that pinoleic oil found in pine nuts suppresses the appetite and may play a role in weight loss. Plus, pine nuts taste delicious when lightly roasted to bring out their flavor. Convinced you’d like to give them a try? Here’s how to roast pine nuts on your stove at home.
How to Roast Pine Nuts
You can buy pine nuts at most general grocery stores and food markets. They’re usually found in the ethnic food section in little glass jars. Some natural food markets also sell them bulk from large bins. When purchasing, be sure to buy them from a store that sells a lot of them since they can go rancid very quickly. If you don’t plan on using them immediately, you can freeze them for up to ninety days.
To roast pine nuts from a stovetop, place them in a dry skillet on the stove and apply low to medium heat. Move the pan constantly to keep them from burning as they gradually turn brown and fill the kitchen with their sweet aroma. An alternative way to roast pine nuts is to place them on a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees Farenheit for fifteen minutes while watching them carefully to avoid burning. Roast them until they’re toasty brown and fragrant.
How to Roast Pine Nuts in the Shell
For an even tastier pine nut, buy them in their shells and roast them with the shells still on. Pine nuts in their shell are known as pinion nuts. Although they taste better, the shell is very tough to crack, so have a nutcracker handy. To roast pine nuts in the shell, soak them in cold water for twenty minutes and then roast them in a 350 degree Farenheit oven for fifteen minutes. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply crack open the shell and remove the inner seed.
Should You Roast Pine Nuts or Eat Them Raw?
Roasted pine nuts taste better than raw ones, but the roasting process can destroy the health benefits of the monounsaturated fats. To ensure that the monounsaturated oils aren’t affected, try roasting them at a temperature no higher than 170 degrees Farenheit. Temperatures at this level or below will still preserve the benefits of the monounsaturated fats, although the roasting time will be longer.
Enjoy the many health benefits of pine nuts!
