Of Southern European origin. Seed of certain pine trees. Also called Indian nuts, pinons, and pignolia nuts.

All gathering and shelling is done by hand and  the shelling usually requires heating of the pine cones.

Pine nuts have a thin reddish-brown or whitish shell and are quite small, but can be found up to 1 1/2 inches. They are available in shells in envelopes or jarred and are used primarily in cooking, as salted nuts, in confections, in Near Eastern and Mediterranean dishes and as a snack. There are several varieties, and many names. They are also grown in Mexico and the southwestern states.

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