Pine Nuts
A taste of the Mediterranean
A favorite in healthy Mediterranean diets, pine nuts are the hard-to-harvest seed of the umbrella-shaped Stone Pine tree, which has been cultivated for its nuts for over 6,000 years.
This versatile, torpedo-shaped kernel has been used for centuries in a variety of international cuisines, including Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian. In fact, its sweet flavor and delicate crunch continues to be used as the basis of great pestos, breads and pastries, or to add body, texture and flavor to favorite sauces, entrées and salads.
Nutty facts!
- A one ounce serving of pine nuts provides a good source of vitamin E and vitamin K.
- The same serving is a good source of the following minerals: copper, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus and zinc.
- Just one ounce provides over 100% of the DRV for manganese. Manganese is an antioxidant nutrient that is important in the breakdown of amino acids and the production of energy. It is also a catalyst in the breakdown of fats and cholesterol, helps nourish the nerves and brain and is necessary for normal skeletal development.
See nutrition information for fat content.
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REFERENCES:
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 23 (2010), www.ars.usda.gov.
- Obikoya, George. Manganese – Nutritionally Essential. www.vitamins-nutrition.org.
- Nutrition labeling of Food, Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 101.9, Release date April 1, 2010.