Pink Pine Nut (Pinus johannis)
Selected pink pine nuts sourced from the Sierra de Querétaro, Mexico, graded #Jumbo, Category 1 and supplied shelled for food applications. They are distinguished by their relatively large seed size, naturally pink to reddish coloration, firm texture and pleasant oily character. Their delicate, subtly sweet and resinous flavor, together with relatively limited availability, makes them particularly valued in regional cuisine and gourmet preparations.
Organoleptic Properties
Large seeds for their type, oval to slightly elongated in shape, with a relatively smooth surface and natural coloration ranging from pink and reddish-pink to pinkish-brown. Texture is firm and slightly crisp when raw, becoming more aromatic and buttery when toasted. Flavor is mild, oily and subtly sweet, with characteristic nutty, woody and pine-resin notes.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for direct consumption, roasting and gourmet cooking. It can be incorporated into moles, sauces, fillings, salads, rice, pasta, vegetables, meats and traditional Mexican preparations. It is also suitable for bakery, pastry and confectionery applications, chocolates, cookies, breads, granola, nut mixes and toppings. Light roasting enhances its aroma and develops deeper nutty notes.
Format
Bulk (BLK) per kilogram. #Jumbo, CAT.1, shelled pink pine nuts, selected for food applications.
Storage and Handling
Store in a cool, dry place protected from light, preferably in a tightly sealed container. Because shelled pine nuts naturally contain a significant amount of oil, they are susceptible to oxidation and rancidity. Refrigerated storage is recommended for extended periods, while exposure to moisture, heat and air should be minimized. Properly packaged product may also be frozen when longer-term preservation is required.
Quality and Selection Criteria
For the #Jumbo CAT.1 classification, select large, mature, clean and whole seeds with reasonable uniformity in size and coloration. They should maintain a firm texture and fresh characteristic aroma, without abnormal moisture, mold, infestation, foreign material or undesirable bitter or rancid flavors. Natural variations among pink, reddish and light-brown shades may occur between individual seeds and harvests and do not necessarily constitute a defect.
Origin
Querétaro, México.
Pink pine nuts from the Sierra de Querétaro are associated with the traditional use of pine forests found throughout the mountainous and semi-arid regions of central Mexico. Pine nuts are the edible seeds of selected species within the genus Pinus; however, because Mexico contains several pine species producing edible seeds and commercial names may encompass different botanical materials, a specific species should not be assigned without lot-level or source-tree identification. Nutritionally, pine nuts are naturally rich in lipids—predominantly unsaturated fats—and also provide protein and minerals. Harvesting the cones, extracting the seeds, shelling and grading them requires considerable handling, contributing to the product's distinctive gastronomic and commercial value.
Learn More:
The Pink Pine Nut Secret.
