The Magic of Pinenuts

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of pine trees and can be eaten raw or roasted.  They are used raw to make the Italian basil pesto sauce that has become so popular.

Pine nuts contain about 31 grams of protein per 100 grams of nuts, which is the highest of any nut or seed and they're also a good source of dietary fibre.

They're also rich in zinc which helps to boost the immunity and polyunsaturated fats which help to maintain heart health.

Also a great source of magnesium and vitamin E, this protein-packed nuts are one of the best nuts to snack on or add to your cooking.

Though they can tend to be expensive, their mild flavour and soft-to-the-bite texture mean that they're ideal for adding to just about any meat or vegetable dish, although they're particularly good in salads. 

They're best bought fresh and stored in your fridge or freezer.

Despite claims for magical powers, the pine nuts is still one of the real superfoods, offering a power-packed protein, vitamin & mineral boost in one tiny kernel.

What about the benefits to my diet ?

In 2006 a story hit the news when a weight loss company suggested that this “super” food could help you lose weight.

A company representative was quoted as saying:-

"Health ingredients such as pine nut lipids from natural origins can help with a weight management program by producing a feeling of fullness, potentially allowing for one to consume less calories and thus impact weight loss.”

It's likely that the low G.I. (glycemic index) of pine nuts helps the stomach to feel full for longer - enabling easier weight loss, when part of a proper weight loss diet.

As part of a vegetarian or diabetic diet, adding pine nut kernels to your cooking should give you a health boost in more ways than one!

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