Roast Pine Nuts

Pine nuts, also known as pinon or pinyin nuts, are actually seeds rather than nuts. They are derived from the pinecone, and when eaten, offer as many health benefits as nuts and other seeds, including vitamins A, C and D. Pine nuts are rich in monounsaturated fat. Because of their natural oils, they make a great addition to sauces like pesto, and can be roasted or pan-toasted for a healthy snack. These seeds can be cooked in the shell or already shelled, either in your oven or microwave. Use these tips to learn how to roast pine nuts.

Steps

Roast Shelled Pine Nuts

1. Prepare pine nuts for roasting. Pour nuts into a colander and sort them, removing any discolored ones.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3. Place the pine nuts evenly on an ungreased baking sheet. When the oven has preheated, place the baking sheet on a top oven rack and cook the nuts for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, leaving the nuts on the sheet, and allow the baking sheet to cool for 20 minutes. Do not transfer the nuts to a bowl while cooling, as this will cause moisture to build up on the bottom nuts and only the top nuts will cool off properly.

Roast Unshelled Pine Nuts

1. Prepare the pine nuts. Place the unshelled nuts into a colander and rinse them for 1 minute. Do not dry.
2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
3. Spread the wet nuts evenly on a baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt.
4. Place the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Check the nuts after this time and continue baking if their outer shells have not turned a light golden brown. Check frequently so as not to overcook.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and leave the nuts to cool on the baking sheet for approximately 20 minutes.
6. Shell your pine nuts. Spread the cooled pine nuts onto a dish towel. Cover the nuts with another dish towel. Roll over the nuts with a rolling pin while pressing down. The shells will break away, exposing the nut meat.

Microwave Unshelled Pine Nuts

1. Prepare the pine nuts. Place the unshelled nuts into a colander and rinse them for 1 minute. Do not dry.
2. Salt the wet pine nuts and place 1/4 cup (59 ml) of nuts in a plain paper bag. Close the end of the bag by folding it over twice.
3. Place the bag into the microwave and cook on high power for 1 minute.
4. Remove the bag and allow it to sit for 1 minute. The pine nuts will continue to cook.
5. Remove the nuts from the bag. Spread the nuts on a plate and allow them to cool for 10 minutes.
6. Shell your pine nuts. Spread the cooled pine nuts onto a dish towel. Cover the nuts with another dish towel. Roll over the nuts with a rolling pin while pressing down. The shells will break away, exposing the nut meat.

Tips

• Purchase fresh pine nuts. They can be stored in a cool dry area or the refrigerator for up to six months, but will go rancid after that time. Do not store pine nuts in moist, warm areas.
• When roasting shelled pine nuts, check them frequently to make sure they aren't overcooking. Their high oil content can cause them to burn easily.

Things You'll Need

• Shelled or unshelled pine nuts
• Baking sheet
• Salt
• Paper bag
• Dish towels
• Rolling pin
• Smoke Alarm
• Fire Extinguisher

Related Articles

• Shell Pine Nuts
• Toast Nuts on the Stove
• Use Nuts in Desserts
• Make a Pine Nut Sundae
• Salt and Roast Nuts in the Shell

Sources and Citations

• http://www.pinenut.com/pine-nut-taste/bitter-mouth-free-nuts.shtml
• http://www.pinonnuts.com/Roasting_Recipes.htm

See also

• Toast Nuts on the Stove
• Shave Almonds
• Salt Nuts
• Eat Maple Seeds
• Make Peanut Butter
• Cook Chestnuts
• Soak Nuts
• Roast Macadamia Nuts
• Toast Sliced Almonds
• Toast Sesame Seeds

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