The Pine Nut
Since prehistoric times man has found that the pine nut was not only a sought after delicacy, but also a source of countless nutrients.
The pine nut was widely traded for medicinal purposes, in some communities as a staple food, as a culinary ingredient, and last but not least a delicacy.
Health Benefits
The native people of Siberia, who are known for their remarkably vibrant health, use pine nut oil as an effective, all-natural hunger suppressant, metabolism enhancer, digestive aid and peptic ulcer healer.
Culinary Ingredient
All over Europe the pine nut is used as a culinary ingredient. It is used in the preparation of meat, fish, salads and vegetable dishes.
The richly flavored seeds are extensively used in Portuguese, Spanish and Italian recipes.
Delicacy
The confectionery industry uses it in chocolates, ice cream, cakes, puddings and other delicacies.
They can also be ground into a powder and used as a thickener and flavoring in soups etc. but it is also enjoyed in its natural form, as a raw edible nut.
The view that pine kernels was a luxury item in ancient times is upheld in the recent listing of plant remains from early Roman Mons Claudianus (van der Veen 1998, 105/107)
In ancient Rome, Apicius (the only man who seems to have written down recipes), used pinoli nuts in several recipes, including nut custard, liquid honey-nut dessert, and a sort of nut brittle.
More Interesting Facts
Aphrodisiac
According to Moussouris and Regato (1999) , stone pine nuts have been considered as an aphrodisiac all around the Mediterranean since ancient times. The Roman poet Ovid (born in the 1st century BC) in his Ars amatoria - The Art of Love , a poem that challenged the serious moral reform efforts of Augustus, provides a list of aphrodisiacs including 'the nuts that the sharp-leafed pine brings forth.' The Greek physician Galenos, of the 2nd century AD, suggests that a mixture of pine seeds, honey and almonds taken before bedtime for three consecutive evenings can increase sexual potency. Apicius, a Roman celebrity who loved good food and his recipes (such as walnut stuffed dormouse) were used up to the Middle Ages, recommends a mixture of pine nuts, cooked onions, white mustard and pepper to achieve the same thing. Finally, the Arab Perfumed Garden referring to Galenos' writings advises that in order to achieve sexual vigor a man should eat 20 almonds and 100 pine nuts accompanied by a glassful of thick honey for three nights before bedtime
Recipe
Lettuce, Pomegranates and Pine Nuts, Oh my!
A very simple yet elegant and tasty salad!
2 handfuls of baby spinach
5 cups of green lettuce, torn
1/2 tbs. olive oil
1/2 an avocado (cut in cubes)
1/4 cup Pomegranate seeds
2 tablespoons Lemon juice
Salt to season
How to: Roll spinach leaves into a tight cigar shape & cut crosswise into 1/8" chiffonade or shreds.
Combine lettuce & spinach in a salad bowl.
Drizzle with oil, season with salt, and toss to mix.
Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, avocado & lemon juice.
Very easy!
Recipe courtesy of www.rawguru.com
