What Are Pine Nuts and Why Do They Cost So Much?

You’ve probably enjoyed pine nuts before—who hasn’t? These small, flavorful seeds are a must-have in many dishes. But how well do you really know these pesto essentials? Here’s everything you need to understand about pine nuts.

What Are Pine Nuts?

Pine nuts are the edible seeds that grow inside the cones of pine trees. Although they’re not technically ‘nuts’ in the botanical sense, they’re commonly used as nuts in cooking. With their rich, buttery flavor, pine nuts are a staple in dishes like pesto.

Where Do Pine Nuts Come From?

Pine nuts come from pine trees around the globe. There are roughly 20 species of pine trees that produce seeds large enough to be harvested, according to the USDA. Major pine nut exporters include China, North Korea, Pakistan, and Russia, but they are also gathered in Mediterranean countries like Italy and Greece, as well as in the United States.

Piñon pine seeds, which are rich in fats and carbohydrates, were a vital food source for Native American tribes in the Great Basin region of the southwest.

Why Are Pine Nuts So Pricy?

There are several reasons pine nuts cost more than other nuts or seeds. For one, it takes a long time to grow the trees, and extracting the seeds from the pine cones is a labor-intensive process. Additionally, global demand for pine nuts has surged by 50 percent since 2009, according to an INC Technical Projects report, which has driven up prices.

How to Toast Pine Nuts

Toasting pine nuts in a skillet, overhead view

Photo by LauriPatterson/Getty Images

Toasting pine nuts enhances their rich, buttery flavor. While it’s simple to toast them at home, be mindful—they can burn in an instant.

The best way to toast pine nuts is on the stovetop. Cook them over medium-low heat, stirring or tossing them occasionally, until they turn golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).

Pine Nut Substitutes

Great substitutes for pine nuts include almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews. These can generally be swapped at a 1:1 ratio (so if your recipe asks for a cup of pine nuts, just use a cup of the alternative). But what if you're cooking for someone with a nut allergy? In that case, sunflower seeds are a great option.