People have been eating pine nuts since 4000 BC. Pine nut trees have pine cones and one nut is found under each leaf of the pine cone. All pine cones will have a seed under each leaf but only certain varieties of pine trees produce cones with pine nuts. After purchase, nuts should be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one month, or in the freezer for up to three.
Pine nuts are great raw, or roasted in either of the following ways. Preheat oven to 350°F. Distribute nuts, in a single layer, on a cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and toast until the nuts are golden (approximately 8 to 10 minutes). Toss the pine nuts in a non-stick fry pan on medium heat until golden. Toasted nuts can be frozen and will retain their toasted flavor for about one month.
