Pine nuts: the new superfood that keeps you young

Pine nuts are the edible seeds of several species of plants of the Pine genus, which stand out for their pale yellow color and creamy flavor. They are also called the elixir of youth.

They contain many antioxidants. Among them are vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and lutein. These substances are necessary for the body to restore and fight free radicals. The latter accelerates aging, while antioxidants prevent it.

OBOZREVATEL, together with foodandwineespanol.com, offers to familiarize yourself with information about their production and useful properties.

Pine nuts are very expensive. They are inside pine cones, so the process of extracting them is quite laborious. The price is also due to the slow harvest, as it is not a food that is specially grown. Pine trees need to be searched for in forests, and their trees are often scattered over wide areas. Sometimes you even have to climb to the tops to get these cones, and then peel them by hand.

In addition, they have a hard outer surface and release large amounts of resin when broken. To get to the seeds, you need to peel off another layer of bark.

However, despite this, the creamy texture has made them a desirable ingredient not only for many desserts but also for some savory dishes, such as pesto sauce or Mexican pepper "Chiles en nogada".

On the other hand, pine nuts are indeed very nutritious. They contain a high amount of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which are important for regulating blood pressure and inflammatory responses, as well as minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc.