What Are Pine Nuts? Benefits, Calories and Nutritional Value of Pine Nuts?

What Are Pine Nuts

Pine nut, which has been used in world cuisines for centuries with its crunchy flavor and butter-like aroma, is a herbal food. This pistachio, which has positive effects on cholesterol thanks to the vitamins and essential minerals in its content, is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are heart and vascular friendly.

What Are Pine Nuts?

Pine nut, also known as Güner İçer, is a hard-shelled food with high nutritional value obtained from the cones of the pine tree called Pinus pinea. The pine nut tree, which grows in almost all Mediterranean countries, can grow up to 20 meters with its magnificent appearance resembling an umbrella.

Pine nuts serve different purposes other than being added to meals. Pine nut oil is also used in the manufacture of margarine and mayonnaise, in the confectionery and cosmetics industry. In addition, pine nut jam and pine nut paste are preferred for breakfast with their delicious taste.

Where Do Pine Nut Trees Grow?

The pine nut tree, which is found on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of the world, is more common in Italy, Crete, Spain and Portugal. In addition to these, a significant amount of pine nut cultivation is carried out in Antalya, Kahramanmaraş Aydın and Muğla provinces.

The pine nut cone begins to be produced when the peanut tree reaches 8-9 years of age. Pine nut seeds are kept in water at 20 degrees for 2 days. Plastic cups are planted after the seeds sown in soft soil have cracked. After 15 days, the germinated seedlings are taken into pots. Pine nut seedlings, which are 1 year old, are planted in nature in March and April.

What are the Calories and Nutritional Value of Pine Nuts?

100 grams of pine nuts contain about 670 calories. The cholesterol content of peanuts, which is almost 70% fat, is zero. The nutrient containing 3.7 grams of dietary fiber, 14 grams of protein, 2 milligrams of sodium and 597 milligrams of potassium is also rich in calcium, iron and magnesium. Pine nuts, which also contain high levels of vitamins A, C, B2 and B1, are a very valuable food due to their linoleic and oleic fatty acids.

What Are the Benefits of Pine Nuts?

  • Pine nut powder obtained by grinding pine nuts is thrown into soups and helps to calm the nerves.
  • Despite its high fat content, it helps to lose weight by controlling the appetite due to its oleic and linoleic acid content.
  • By promoting the secretion of the cholecystokinin hormone in the intestine, it relieves the stomach and eliminates spasms.
  • It protects the body against cardiovascular diseases and also balances blood pressure.
  • It lowers cholesterol.
  • With its antioxidant properties, it strengthens the body’s immune system and increases the body’s resistance against diseases. Supporting the increase of breast milk, pine nuts are also an important food for healthy tooth and bone development.
  • Supporting the treatment of diseases such as fatigue, weakness, sciatica and rheumatism are among the benefits of pine nuts.
  • Pine nuts mixed with honey and made into a paste are also perfect for sexual power problems.

When Are Pine Nuts Collected?

The most productive period of the pine nut tree, which has a lifespan of approximately 250 years, is between the ages of 25 and 80. It takes approximately 3 years for a collected cone to grow. Pine nut harvest should be done in November at the earliest.

Since the pine cones collected in the earlier period do not develop, the peanuts are of poor quality. The rapidly growing pistachio tree is a tree that matures in 3 years and begins to produce pine nuts during this time.

How to Extract Pine Nuts? How to Extract?

Pine nut cones begin to be collected from November. Pine nut shell has a very hard structure. Cones collected so that their hard shell can be broken down are laid out in the sun and dried in June and July. Tools called patos are used to extract peanuts from cones that open like tulips . The obtained shelled pine nuts are wetted with water and the pine nuts are extracted from their shells with a cracking machine . You can crack the peanuts you collect yourself with a pine nut cracker.

Abbas Jahangir

I am a researcher and writer with a background in food and nutritional science. I am the founder of Foodstrend.com, our reputable online platform offering scientifically-backed articles on health, food, nutrition, kitchen tips, recipes, diet, and fitness. With a commitment to providing accurate and reliable information, we strive to empower our readers to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices. Join us on Foodstrend.com's journey toward a healthier and happier lifestyle.

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