Pine nuts (optional)

Description

Pine nuts (optional) are small, elongated seeds with a creamy, slightly buttery texture and a subtly sweet, resinous aroma. They range in color from light brown to cream and have a pleasantly velvety taste that enhances both savory and sweet dishes. Nutritionally, they are rich in monounsaturated fats, protein, vitamin E, B vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus, providing support for heart health, brain function, and the body's energy metabolism. Culinary uses are versatile — they are great in pesto, salads, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, soups, baked goods, and desserts as a crunchy addition or thickening ingredient for sauces. To maintain freshness, store them in an airtight container, preferably in the refrigerator or freezer, away from light and moisture; at room temperature, they quickly lose their aroma and can go rancid, so it's worth lightly toasting them just before use.