Despite their name, the pine nuts do not grow in the cedar. They are the seeds of the Siberian pine. Taking the grain out of the peel is not easy. But if he succeeds, he will be rewarded in return with unquestionable benefits for his body and incredible taste sensations. It is worth highlighting its aroma, which combines pine, resin and wood notes.
Due to their delicate and soft taste, they are added to salads, second dishes, desserts and sauces. The pine nuts, for example, are one of the ingredients of pesto sauce. They combine especially well with cheese.
Flavors of the pinions
They are quite firm and butter, and reveal a whole range of flavors in the mouth. Like all nuts, pine nuts have an unmistakable creamy flavor to nut. They also have pine notes. Due to its marked flavor, the product is usually added to the dishes as seasoning. If they leave a bitter aftertaste, you may be in poor condition. Its real flavor cannot be confused with any other. They are both sweet, fresh, acidic, beds and moderately oily. After frying them they acquire a slight aroma of wood. It is not necessary to use frying oil, since the pinions give off oil anyway.
Useful properties and caloric content of the pinions
In the kitchen both pine nuts and pine oil are used. It is rich in unique properties and contains vitamins A, B, C, D, E and also contains vanadium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, healthy fatty acids. The grains contain 19 amino acids, including tryptophan, methionine and lysine. They are a treasure of vitamin B, C. This rich chemical composition is beneficial for the entire body. 100 g of nuts contain 674 kcal. Despite their high caloric content, they are rich in healthy fats that the body needs.
Doctors recommend including pine nuts in the diet to prevent diseases and reinforce the immune system. Here is why it is worth consuming them:
- They reinforce immunity – improve the defense functions of the body, compensate for the deficiencies of vitamins and minerals;
- For the prevention of cardiovascular diseases – the grains reinforce the walls of the blood vessels, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, and 60% consists of healthy fats;
- Improving skin, nails, hair, vitamin E helps delay the aging process;
- Normalize the gastrointestinal tract – for the prevention of pancreatitis, gastritis nuts eaten with honey;
- Improve thyroid function thanks to its high iodine content;
- Well for male health – zinc has a positive effect on power and reduces the risk of urogenital diseases;
- It helps lose weight – Pinolenic acid, present in grains, reduces appetite and eagerness to eat sweets.
The grains saturate the organism and provide many essential vitamins. Despite the benefits demonstrated, their consumption is not recommended to the people to whom a gallbladder disease has been diagnosed.
Culinary Uses – Recipes, Tinturas
The pine nuts are added to meat plates, fish, put on vegetable and stew stews. They reveal the taste of baked products, desserts. The use of pine nuts in the kitchen is very diverse. Very often, nuts become one of the main components of vegetarian salads, since nutritionists compare their nutritional value with that of meat. Even the simplest salad with vegetables and olive oil is several times more satiating and tasty if hazelnas are added.
Pomelo salad recipe
- Tuesta 100 g of nuts in a pan;
- Peel the grapefruit and cut it into pieces;
- Add lettuce leaves to the fruit and mix;
- Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil;
- Season with salt and pepper to taste;
- Sprinkle with roasted grains.
Nuts are used to make infusions. They have a pleasant coniferous wood aroma, an acid and sweet flavor. As a general rule, they infuse vodka and consume in moderate quantities. Cedar wood is also used for medicinal purposes. You can add orange or lemon skin, curious leaves, sugar and spices. This will give the drink a special aroma and flavor.