Take out pine cones from Italy. Pine nut: beneficial properties and harm, use and cultivation of Italian pine

What is the difference between pine nuts and pine nuts? Composition and calorie content, beneficial properties and harm. What dishes can be prepared?

The content of the article:

Pinia nuts are the seeds of the eponymous tree (Pinus pinea) from the Pine family. It is most often found in the Mediterranean. Reaches a height of 30 m, lives up to five hundred years. The trunks are wide, winding, the crown is umbrella-shaped, the needles are dark green, 10-15 cm long, grow in bunches. The fruits are in the form of cones, often solitary, but in old trees there are also 2-3 pieces. The seeds are elongated, in a hard shell, inside of which are nuts. They ripen in the third year after formation. The tree loves light, is resistant to drought, is very beautiful, therefore it is often used for decorative purposes. It grows in limestone, loose soils, up to sand, withstands severe frosts and winds. Pine nuts are the largest among all pine seeds. And in combination with excellent taste and high yield, pine is a popular tree for cultivation for culinary purposes, not only in the Mediterranean, but also in the Crimea and the Caucasus.

The composition and calorie content of pine nuts

Often, among the information about pine nuts, one can read their identification with pine nuts. In fact, these are two different types of nuts, since they grow on different trees, although they are of the same species - on pine cedar and pine pine. Both fruits are hidden in boxes located in cones, and even in appearance they are very similar. But the pines are slightly longer and narrower than the cedar ones. In addition, they are more useful due to their unique composition, which can be found below.

Calorie content of pine nuts - 630 kcal per 100 g of product, of which:

• Proteins - 11.6 g;
• Fats - 61 g;
• Carbohydrates - 8.7 g;
• Water - 6 g;
• Ash - 2.4 g.

The palm in the vitamin composition of pine nuts confidently went to vitamin B1. Without it, disturbances occur in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, namely, a deficiency of enzymes develops, food is digested worse, constipation and diarrhea become more frequent. Memory, concentration of attention also worsens, fatigue increases, insomnia, convulsions appear.

Vitamin B5 is a key component in the mechanism of tissue regeneration. Participates in the growth and development of all systems and organs. Energy, carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism is built on it. The lack of an extremely negative effect on the work of the intestines, can provoke drowsiness, numbness of the limbs, tremors in the muscles, convulsions, a decrease in the release of enzymes by the digestive tract.

Due to the presence of vitamin E in the product, the protective functions of the body increase, early aging is prevented, the development of cardiac pathologies is delayed, and the functioning of the reproductive and endocrine systems improves. Without it, blood thickens and blood clots form, skin slowly regenerates, muscles weaken.

Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen and elastin, supports connective tissue, bones and teeth, and speeds up metabolism. Its deficiency negatively affects the body's resistance to viruses and infections, stress, and allergies.

But the main benefit of pine nuts is the rich presence of micro and macro elements. Let us consider in more detail the effect on the body of the following components of the product:

1. Phosphorus. This element is a "partner" of calcium. Together with him, he is responsible for the strength of teeth and bones. It also improves mental activity, maintains muscles, participates in many chemical reactions of energy metabolism, protein synthesis, as well as the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Its deficiency is fraught with increased fatigue and weakness, severe fatigue, brittle bones, deterioration of the teeth, joint pain, numbness of the extremities.
2. Magnesium. Fundamentals of human mental health. Also involved in strengthening teeth and bones, nutrient transport, energy production, interaction between nerve endings, lowers cholesterol, removes toxins, fights overwork, resists stress. With its deficiency, chronic fatigue, dizziness, irritability, palpitations, muscle spasms, headaches, problems with blood pressure are felt.
3. Zinc. It is this component that is the basis of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas and regulating blood sugar. Participates in the processes of growth and development, puberty, is necessary for the conception and bearing of the fetus, good labor activity. Zinc deficiency affects the senses. Decreased appetite, sense of smell and taste perception of food. Wounds heal poorly, the condition of hair and nails worsens, sexual impotence develops.
4. Iron. The main component of hematopoiesis, namely the production of hemoglobin. Also involved in the synthesis of hormones and enzymes. It helps to launch the body's defenses, protects against the harmful effects of bacteria and infections, improves immunity, and improves overall well-being. It activates the absorption of vitamins of group B. With its lack, weakness is felt, fatigue increases, frequent headaches develop, the heartbeat quickens, dryness of the mucous membranes is felt.
5. Cobalt. Is this ingredient rarely found in food? and its deficiency, as a rule, is compensated by medicines. Therefore, nuts and fish, which include it, are highly valued. After all, it affects metabolism, has hematopoietic functions, helps to absorb vitamin B12, breaks down fats, proteins and carbohydrates, helps the pancreas, and participates in the synthesis of adrenaline. The lack of cobalt adversely affects the endocrine and circulatory system.

Useful properties of pine nuts

Given this combination of nutrients, it becomes clear that the product has many useful qualities.

Regular consumption of pine fruits in food helps to achieve the following therapeutic effect:

• Healing of stomach ulcers. Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are dangerous because they make themselves felt when the situation is already quite running. The most unpleasant is a stomach ulcer, although ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane are no less dangerous. Multiple wounds cause terrible discomfort, most dramatically affecting the quality of life. Constant pain and cramps in the navel, a feeling of overeating after a small amount of food, but at the same time corroding the walls with unclaimed gastric juice, heaviness in the epigastric region - these are the unpleasant symptoms that the product helps to cope with. The oils contained in its composition help to heal wounds, strengthen the mucous membrane and resist the destructive effects of malnutrition - the use of junk food and its irregular intake.
• Cholesterol Reduction. Despite the fact that the calorie content of pine nuts is quite high, the oils that make up the product help lower cholesterol, increase the lumen of blood vessels and strengthen their walls. This helps to normalize blood pressure and prevent diseases such as stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis.
• Normalization of the digestive tract. For the most part, this is about preventing reflux. As you know, bile leaving a special collection - the gallbladder, is involved in the final process of food processing, entering immediately into the intestines. However, with improper functioning of the digestive tract, it is thrown into the stomach. This process is called reflux, and it is very harmful, as bile corrodes the walls of the stomach. The components of the product help to normalize this process, directing the enzyme in the right direction and preventing the occurrence of a life-threatening condition. Also, this effect is the prevention of the formation of stones in the gallbladder.
• Acceleration of tissue regeneration. This is especially important in anticipation of operations, starting with the extraction of teeth and ending with labor or any surgical intervention. However, even the most elementary bruise from hitting a doorknob will come off much faster and less painfully if you have good tissue regeneration. This will also indicate the good condition of systems and organs in general, which contributes to a quick recovery during viral and bacterial infections, seasonal colds.
• Improving kidney function. This is facilitated by the diuretic properties of the product. Carrying out the prevention of fluid stagnation in the body, nuts help prevent the deposition of sand and stones in the kidneys and bladder, help remove toxins from the body, prevent the development of edema, and increase blood pressure.
• Prevention of oral diseases. Due to the strong antibacterial effect, nuts help to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Favorably affect the condition of the gums, preventing the development of diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease, and many others. They also have a positive effect in the treatment of tonsillitis and tonsillitis.
• Treatment of colds. Since nut oils have a fairly strong expectorant effect, it is useful to eat them during the treatment of colds, in particular bronchitis with a dry cough. They thin the mucus, making it easier to pass.

  

  
  Despite the rather large number of useful properties, there are contraindications to the use of the product. For example, a nut can have a negative effect on the senses. When using a large amount of the product, some people experience a violation of taste perception. There is a kind of inhibition of the receptors and irritation of the mucosa. This reaction does not require treatment and resolves on its own after a few days. But it definitely requires a correction in the amount of consumption of the product.

  Pine nuts can also harm the following categories of people:

  1. children. This is primarily due to the fact that small parts of the product can enter the respiratory tract. Therefore, up to three years, it is not recommended to eat nuts at all, and after three - with great care, since due to their high fat content they are a rather heavy product. Babies may not have enough enzymes to break them down.
  2. Allergy sufferers. Nuts are traditionally considered quite an allergenic product. Therefore, those who are prone to food allergies need to carefully enter them into the menu.
  3. Obesity sufferers and liver problems. Despite the fact that nuts help speed up metabolism and reduce cholesterol levels in the body, they are not recommended for people who are overweight. The fact is that this category of people most often has liver damage, and fatty foods are taboo for this organ.

  Pine Nut Recipes

  

  
  Depending on how pine nuts are eaten in a variety of variations, consider the main groups of dishes in which pine pine seeds are found:
  • Sauces. Pesto sauce brought worldwide fame to the fruits of the Mediterranean pine. This is the most popular addition to many dishes in Italy, which literally translates as "grind". This is exactly what needs to be done with the ingredients, including the pine nuts. To prepare the sauce, you will need 70 g of green basil. It is important to choose plants with medium-sized leaves, because small ones may not be fragrant enough, and large ones may be too hard. Prepare 30g pan-roasted pine nuts for a couple of minutes, 60g dusted Parmesan cheese, and 40g Pecorino or Fiore Sardo cheese. You will also need 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic and 80 ml of olive oil. In a mortar, combine garlic, nuts, basil and, remembering the name of the dish, rub everything well. Only by hand! No blenders, meat grinders and other products of civilization. Then add a pinch of salt and cheese, rub again and at the very end combine with olive oil. For sandwiches, make the dish more dense, for side dishes and meat - much thinner. Adjust the density with the amount of oil.
  • Salads. After sauces, lettuce is the second most popular group where these nuts are found. Most often, a green mix is ​​taken as the basis, vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, and cheeses are added to it. Vegetable oils and mayonnaises, mustard, sour cream, yoghurts are used for dressing. We suggest you try the next option. Peel and membrane 2 large oranges, cut each slice in half. Send to the citrus 70 g of arugula, cut into large slices of 4 large figs and one ripe avocado. Add 200g diced feta cheese to the fresh ingredients. Drizzle with dressing of 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons soy sauce and olive oil, gently toss salad, top with 30g pine nuts.
  • Soups. Most often, nuts are used for cream soups. For example, dipa from peppers. This soup has an amazing light texture and a very rich taste. Place 1 kg of red or orange sweet peppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 200°C for about 25 minutes, then flip and bake for the same amount of time. Roast 2 chili peppers separately. Mark the sweet pepper in a sieve, remove the seeds, membranes, remove the skin. Do not pour out the drained juice, it will come in handy. Do the same with the chili pepper, but drain the rest of its juice. Combine the peppers, 100 g chopped walnuts, 50 g pine nuts, 50 g salted crackers, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil and sweet pepper juice in a bowl. Beat everything well with a blender, add the broth, serve hot or chilled with garlic croutons.
  • Meat. Bird is especially tasty with nuts. Take 1.5 kg of duck fillet. Finely chop, add a pinch of rosemary, salt, ground pepper, 1 tablespoon of brandy and leave to marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Cut into cubes 100 g of lard, an onion and a large apple, send the ingredients to a frying pan with a hot 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, fry until golden brown. Combine duck meat with overcooked bacon, onions and apples, mix well, form a steak. Roll it in chopped pine nuts, fry over high heat in vegetable oil for 1 minute on each side, then transfer to a baking sheet with parchment and bake in an oven preheated to 200 ° C for 20 minutes.
  • side dishes. Often, nuts are a great addition to side dishes. For example, to pasta. Grind a bunch of parsley, juice of one lemon and 2 cloves of garlic in a blender. Cook your favorite pasta in salted water until al dente - spaghetti, bows, shells, spirals, feathers - whatever you like. Top it with green sauce, a few quartered cherry tomatoes, a couple of sprigs of basil, 50g of grated Parmesan and a handful of pine nuts.
  • Bakery products. This product is very actively used in baking. We offer you to try wonderful muffins with apples. Take 300 g of premium wheat flour, 100 g of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Add to them 225 ml of kefir, 60 ml of vegetable oil, 1 chicken egg. Mix well. Peel and core 2 large apples, cut them into cubes, send to the dough. Pour the mixture into greased molds and sprinkle with cane sugar and pine nuts. Bake for 25 minutes at 200°C.
  • Beverages. And even drinks are prepared with these beautiful nuts. For example, such a mix will perfectly refresh. Remove the pulp of one avocado, add 100 ml of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of condensed milk, a couple of ice cubes and a handful of nuts to it. Grind thoroughly in a blender, serve with a sprig of mint.

  

  
  This pine tree began to be cultivated a thousand years before our era by the Etruscans - representatives of an ancient civilization located in the north-west of the Apennine Peninsula.

  The famous Pinocchio and his domestic twin Pinocchio were made from pine logs. And with the cones of this tree, the hero of Alexei Tolstoy threw himself at Karabas-Barabas.

  Nuts and tree bark were used for medicinal purposes by the great healer Avicenna.

  The famous "Decameron" by Giovanni Boccaccio was illustrated with paintings by Sandro Botticelli. There were pine trees on them.

  In Mesopotamia, furniture was often decorated with elements resembling pine cones in shape. Most often they were used to decorate the legs of interior items.

  This beautiful tree excelled even in music: at the beginning of the 20th century, the world-famous composer Ottorino Respighi wrote the symphonic poem "The Pines of Rome".

  Watch a video about pine nuts:

  
  As the Italians themselves note, pine trees managed to achieve such popularity only thanks to the unique unsurpassed taste of their nuts. Therefore, if you have not tried them yet, we definitely advise you to try and evaluate the fruit sung by great writers, artists and composers, especially since there are many recipes with pine nuts, as you could see thanks to our material.

conservation status

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Spreading

Biological description

A tree 20-30 m high, lives up to 500 years. The crown is dense, dark green, umbrella-shaped, compact, in old trees with horizontally spread branches. Needles in bunches, two pieces each, long (10-15 cm), narrow, dense, green throughout the year, sometimes bluish.

Cones are usually solitary or two or three pieces, 8-15 cm long, ovoid or almost spherical. Seeds ripen in the third year in October, but the cones do not open until the following spring. After the seeds fall out, the cones hang on the branches for another two to three years.

Seeds oblong-ovoid, dark brown, sometimes with light spots, with three ribs. Length - 15-17 mm, width - 8-9. With a thick shell, narrow short wing. Edible. Pine seeds are the largest among pines (and pines in general), they are 3-4 times larger than cedars. There are 1500 of them in one kilogram. The yield is quite high - from 3 to 8 tons of seeds are obtained from one hectare. In Italy, pine seeds are called pinoli.

Use, agricultural technology

A very beautiful tree - as an ornamental plant it was used by the Etruscans. Nowadays, it is also widely used in this capacity. Very good for bonsai art.

Pinia is photophilous and drought-resistant, undemanding to the soil, grows on dry limestone soils and on sea sands, although it prefers fresh loose soils, does not withstand excessive moisture. Tolerates frosts down to -18 C°, wind resistant.

Seeds germinate without pre-sowing preparation. Valuable decorative and "nut-bearing" tree. Pine seeds are widely used in confectionery production, crushed nuts are included in the famous pesto sauce. Pinia is cultivated on the southern coast of Crimea and in the Caucasus.

In culture

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Notes

Literature

• Big encyclopedia in 62 volumes. Volume 36. "Terra". Moscow. - ISBN 5-273-00432-2
• Klimenko Z.K. Exotic plants of the Southshore. - "Business-Inform", 1999
• Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna). Canon of Medicine

An excerpt characterizing Pine Pine

- Well, yes, yes, give me more rags.
- If he manages to conduct business, he can pay all the debts, - the militia went on about Rostov.
– Kind old man, but very pauvre sire [bad]. And why do they live here for so long? They have long wanted to go to the village. Natalie seems to be well now? Julie asked Pierre with a sly smile.
“They are waiting for a younger son,” said Pierre. - He entered the Obolensky Cossacks and went to Belaya Tserkov. A regiment is formed there. And now they have transferred him to my regiment and are waiting every day. The count has long wanted to go, but the countess will never agree to leave Moscow until her son arrives.
- I saw them the third day at the Arkharovs. Natalie got prettier and happier again. She sang one romance. How easy it is for some people!
- What's going on? Pierre asked indignantly. Julie smiled.
“You know, Count, that knights like you only exist in the novels of Madame Suza.
What knight? From what? – blushing, asked Pierre.
- Well, come on, dear count, c "est la fable de tout Moscou. Je vous admire, ma parole d" honneur. [All Moscow knows this. Really, I'm surprised at you.]
- Fine! Fine! the militiaman said.
- Well, OK. You can't say how boring!
- Qu "est ce qui est la fable de tout Moscou? [What does all of Moscow know?] - Pierre said angrily, getting up.
- Come on, Count. You know!
“I don’t know anything,” said Pierre.
- I know that you were friendly with Natalie, and therefore ... No, I am always friendly with Vera. Cette chere Vera! [That sweet Vera!]
- Non, madame, [No, madam.] - Pierre continued in an unhappy tone. - I did not take on the role of the knight of Rostov at all, and I have not been with them for almost a month. But I don't understand cruelty...
- Qui s "excuse - s" accuse, [Whoever apologizes, he blames himself.] - Julie said smiling and waving lint, and in order for her to have the last word, she immediately changed the conversation. - What is it like, I found out today: poor Marie Volkonskaya arrived in Moscow yesterday. Did you hear she lost her father?
- Really! Where is she? I would very much like to see her,” said Pierre.
“I spent the evening with her last night. Today or tomorrow morning she is going to the suburbs with her nephew.
- Well, how is she? Pierre said.
Nothing, sad. But do you know who saved her? It's a whole novel. Nicholas Rostov. She was surrounded, they wanted to kill her, her people were wounded. He rushed and saved her...
“Another novel,” said the militiaman. - Decisively, this general flight is made so that all the old brides get married. Catiche is one, Princess Bolkonskaya is another.
“You know that I really think she is un petit peu amoureuse du jeune homme. [slightly in love with the young man.]
- Fine! Fine! Fine!
- But how can I say it in Russian? ..

When Pierre returned home, he was served two posters of Rostopchin brought that day.
The first said that the rumor that Count Rastopchin was forbidden to leave Moscow was unfair and that, on the contrary, Count Rostopchin was glad that ladies and merchant wives were leaving Moscow. “Less fear, less news,” the poster said, “but I answer with my life that there will be no villain in Moscow.” These words for the first time clearly showed Pierre that the French would be in Moscow. The second poster said that our main apartment is in Vyazma, that Count Wittgsstein defeated the French, but that since many residents want to arm themselves, there are weapons prepared in the arsenal for them: sabers, pistols, guns, which residents can get at a cheap price. The tone of the posters was no longer as playful as in Chigirin's previous conversations. Pierre thought about these posters. Obviously, that terrible thundercloud, which he called upon with all the forces of his soul, and which at the same time aroused involuntary horror in him, - obviously, this cloud was approaching.
“To enter the military service and go to the army or wait? - Pierre asked himself this question for the hundredth time. He took a deck of cards lying on his table and began to play solitaire.
“If this solitaire comes out,” he said to himself, mixing the deck, holding it in his hand and looking up, “if it comes out, then it means ... what does it mean? .. - He did not have time to decide what it means, when a voice the eldest princess, asking if it is possible to enter.

Pine nuts are better known to us as pine nuts. Indeed, Italian pine and Siberian cedar have much in common and are similar to each other, like close relatives. Everyone knows the exquisite taste and resinous-pine aroma of these Mediterranean delicacies, but few people know what important and useful properties they have.

Appearance

Pinia is a coniferous tree of the pine family. It grows mainly in the Mediterranean countries, often found in Italy. Italian pine is a tall beautiful tree with a dense dark green crown. It can be easily recognized by the spreading branches at the top. Densely planted with needles, they form an umbrella canopy under which you can hide from the hot day.

Its seeds are formed in cones, which are densely located throughout the tree, sometimes single, sometimes in groups of up to three pieces. They ripen in the fall in the third year. In the spring, the cones open and the seeds fall out of them. But the cones themselves continue to hang on the pine for another two or three years. Pinia seeds are very reminiscent of the familiar pine nuts to all of us: oblong, elongated, ribbed. The shell of nuts is dark brown, with lighter patches.

Pine nuts are considered the largest representatives of pine trees, they are four times larger than pine nuts. Their shell is quite strong, containing a tasty grain with a delicate resinous aroma. Pinia bears fruit every year, bringing a large harvest, and its life expectancy is over 500 years. In Italy, its seeds are called pinoli.

Pinia has a fairly extensive habitat: it is common on the Mediterranean coast, in parts of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in the Crimea and the Caucasus. Often found in Turkey. Pinia settles both in the sands and in loose soil. Loves sunlight and is favorable to drought.

With its beauty, pine captivated people as early as the 1st millennium BC. It was widely used by the ancient Etruscans, first for decorative purposes, and then for nutritional purposes. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used the fruits of this tree. When exploring Pompeii, pine seeds were found in the homes of residents.

Due to its interesting appearance, pine pine is great for the Chinese art of bonsai - growing an exact copy of a tree in miniature. By the way, the notorious Pinocchio, whose image was so well embodied in Pinocchio by Alexei Tolstoy, was made from this log. And it was with pine cones that he fired at the harmful Karabas-Barabas. And the huge beard of this villain eventually stuck to the trunk, richly flavored with resin, also, it turns out, this pine.

In general, in art and culture, the image of the pine was widely used by both artists and composers. For example, the famous Sandro Botticelli immortalized them in his paintings illustrating the short story by Giovanni Boccaccio from The Decameron. Thanks to this famous artist, the pine grove near Ravenna is known all over the world. And Ottorino Respighi, an Italian composer, wrote a poem for the symphony orchestra "The Pines of Rome", which reflected his impressions of these evergreen beauties that adorn the city. By the way, pine cones are also quite an interesting decorative element. In Mesopotamia, they were widely used to decorate household items and furniture.

Storage and selection of nuts

On sale you can find different types of pine nuts, but when buying, it is advisable to give preference to those seeds that are in the shell. The shelf life of unpeeled nuts is much longer than those freed from the shell. The second, after a few weeks, lose their taste and useful qualities. The fact is that fats, which are rich in pine nuts, are oxidized when exposed to air, which is the reason for the loss of their taste. To keep the refined grains longer and not waste their positive qualities, you should keep them in the refrigerator or, even better, in the freezer.

Nutritional value of pine nuts

In pine nuts, as in any other nuts, fats predominate.

The energy value of pine nuts is approximately 630 kcal.

The chemical composition of nuts

These small nucleoli are a real storehouse of useful vitamins and minerals, which is reflected in their beneficial and healing properties.

In the vitamin composition, the presence of B vitamins (riboflavin, thiamine and niacin), as well as vitamins A and C, can be noted. Copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus predominate in the mineral composition. Smaller proportions contain zinc, manganese, iron, calcium.

Pine nuts are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fatty acids: palmitic and stearic, as well as unsaturated fatty acids: linoleic, oleic (omega-9) and others.

Beneficial features

Pine nuts have many beneficial properties, thanks to the minerals and vitamins that make up their composition. Not only that, because of their exquisite taste, they are in demand in cooking and are used in the cuisines of different countries. Pine nuts also have a number of medicinal properties that are successfully used in traditional medicine. They are very effective for:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• cough, bronchitis and throat diseases;
• the appearance of various superficial wounds, as a means for their healing;
• skin diseases and allergic rash;
• heart disease;

Use in medicine

These delicious nuts have a positive effect on the human immune system, relieve fatigue, are a wonderful tool for healing stomach ulcers, improve liver and kidney function, and are a powerful diuretic. They are also very useful for men, as their regular use significantly increases potency and enhances sperm motility. Nut extracts are used both as an expectorant and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Often used for conjunctivitis and eyelash mites.

Pine nuts are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are responsible for the strength of bones and teeth, magnesium, which protects the nervous system and reduces the risk of depression, zinc, which has a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails, promotes wound healing.

From these fat-rich grains, various oils are extracted that are used in the food industry, as well as for the manufacture of paints and varnishes. The essential oil extracted from the Italian pine is considered very useful. It has a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic effect, in addition, it gives a pleasant coniferous aroma and is an excellent aphrodisiac.

Application in cooking

Pine nuts are used in the popular Italian pesto, which is widely used in cooking as a pasta dressing. But they can also be found in pastries, confectionery, various salads. Often they are used to add spice and sophistication to ordinary dishes. For example, if you use finely chopped nuts for meat marinade, you get a dish that many gourmets will appreciate. Pine nuts, despite the fact that they are valued and used all over the world, are widely used in cooking in Italy and France.

italian pumpkin recipe

For cooking you will need:

• pumpkin - 1 kg;
• beef - 500-600 g;
• pork - 500 g;
• cherry tomatoes - about 150-200 g;
• pine nuts (you can use ordinary pine nuts) - about 100 g;
• greenery;
• paprika - 1 pc;
• sauerkraut - 300 g;
• onion - 2 medium heads;
• carrots - 2-3 pieces;
• butter - 100 g.

Rinse the pumpkin, cut and peel. Pork and beef fry in a pan. There also send coarsely chopped onions and carrots. Simmer everything for 15 minutes. Then add sauerkraut, cherry tomatoes and pepper to the fry. Mix all this, add butter and stuff the prepared pumpkin with the resulting mixture. Cover the resulting dish with foil and bake for an hour and a half at a temperature of 180 degrees.

Application in traditional medicine

Pine seeds, due to their beneficial properties, are widely used in folk medicine. With their help, infusions and alcohol tinctures are made, which have a beneficial effect on the body in the autumn-winter period. They strengthen the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Often, an infusion of nuts is used in the treatment of coughs and for rinsing the mouth, with tonsillitis, tonsillitis and periodontal disease.

These nuts are famous for their positive effect on the sexual function of the body. For example, when potency weakened, the ancient Greeks advised to use a mixture prepared from honey, pine nuts and almonds for three days at night. And the Arabs, in order to be on top, offer to eat 100 pine nuts and 12 almonds for three days.

Pine nut tincture

This useful tincture can be used for various diseases. For its manufacture you will need:

• pine seeds - 250 g;
• water - 500 ml;
• alcohol - 500 ml;
• honey - 200 g.

Unpeeled pine seeds grind and pour warm boiled water. Put in a dark place for a week. After that, add alcohol and insist for another month. Filter the infusion and add honey. Store the resulting product should be in a dark cool place. Shake well before use.

Harm and contraindications

Pine nuts have practically no contraindications, as they are natural ingredients that grow in ecologically clean areas and do not contain any harmful impurities. Like any other food, they should be consumed within reason. But there are a number of factors in which it is not recommended to use nuts:

• individual intolerance to the product;
• children under 3 years of age (small nuts can get into the child's respiratory tract).

If you constantly eat a large number of nuts, the functioning of the organs of touch and hearing can be disrupted. In this case, you should stop eating nuts and after a few days everything will be normal. Also, due to their high calorie content and saturation with fatty acids, a large number of nuts should not be consumed with problems with weight and obesity. Otherwise, nuts are a tasty, healthy and nutritious product.

conclusions

Pine nuts are an exquisite expensive delicacy, highly valued all over the world due to their pleasant taste, resinous and invigorating coniferous aroma and a whole vitamin and mineral complex contained in their composition. These grains have successfully won the love of culinary experts in Italy and France and are confidently conquering other countries and cities. Their beneficial properties are highly valued in folk medicine and in the manufacture of oils. Due to their chemical composition, they help prevent various diseases, prevent colds, increase immunity and strengthen the body as a whole. Their regular use reduces the risk of depression and has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system. Pine nuts are a tasty and healthy delicacy, a bit repulsive due to their high cost. But in general, they are only beneficial for the body, so eating them in moderation is beneficial and advisable.

The pine nuts of our Siberian pine are similar to the nuts of the Italian pine (pinia) Pinus pinea L. This coniferous species has many climatypes: Portuguese pine (Pinus pinea lusitanica), Italian pine (P. P. tarentiana Manetti), Cretan pine (P. P. cretica Endl.), Anatolian pine (P. P. anatolica). Italian pine, like other coniferous pine families, is a source of resin and turpentine essential oil, but above all, like other cedar pines, delicious cedar seeds (nuts) and fatty oil from them.

4. Italian pine (pinia)

Pinus pinea L. - Italian pine, or pine (from Latin pinea - walnut). This light-loving, drought-resistant and fast-growing tree, called in its homeland - the Mediterranean countries, cedar pine, reaches a height of 15-20 (30) m with a trunk diameter of 1-1.5 m. Pinia grows in the Mediterranean from the seaside strip to a height of 1000 m in the mountains (on the Iberian Peninsula and in Asia Minor - up to 400-600 m). Under favorable conditions, the life expectancy of pine trees can be 500 years or more. The unpretentiousness of the pine tree to the soil, as well as its ability to tolerate short-term frosts down to -18˚ C, made it possible to introduce this beautiful coniferous culture far beyond its natural growth. Pinia is cultivated on the Black Sea coast of the Crimea and the Caucasus, in the western part of North Africa, in Ireland, England (up to Scotland), South Africa, America, China, and Japan.

Young Italian pines have a dense rounded crown, with age it takes on an umbrella-shaped shape, which persists until the old age of the trees. Mature trees, standing apart, in open unshaded areas, have a developed spherical crown. The bark is thick, dark reddish or grayish-brown, cracked, peeling off in large thin plates. Kidneys 0.6-1.2 cm long, cylindrical, pointed, non-resinous, with long fringed scales along the edge. Needles 10-15 (20) cm long, dark green, sharply rough, sitting in 2 pieces. in bunches at the ends of the shoots; fall off in the 2nd or 3rd year. Root system with tap root, well branched. The wood of the tree is low-resinous and has a white or yellowish-reddish color. Due to its lightness (its density is 0.521-0.773) and strength, Italian pine wood is valued as a building material, ship plating, and is also used for the manufacture of carved products. This type of cedar pine, unlike the Siberian cedar pine, grows faster and begins to bear fruit from the age of 12.

Pine cones are very resinous, have a spherical or ovoid shape, are located 1, less often 2-3 pieces, at the top of the shoots, they are larger in comparison with the Siberian pine cone and reach a length of 8-15 cm and a width of 7-15 cm, shiny, light brown, ripen in the 2-3rd year. A bountiful harvest of cones occurs every three years. The scales of the cone are hard and woody, with large 5-6-angled hemispherical swollen scutes, easily separated from the axial core of the mature cone. 25-year-old pine trees growing on the Black Sea coast produce up to 43 cones. The yield of seeds from one tree is 6-7 kg. In the Mediterranean, 1 hectare of Italian pine, which has entered the time of full seed production, is able to produce 60-70 m3 of cones or 200 kg of seeds.

The seeds of the Spanish cedar pine - pinioli nuts - are the largest among all pine nuts (there are 1200-1500 of them in 1 kg), they are twice as large as the seeds of the Siberian pine and, unlike the latter, are more elongated. Quite often, pine seeds reach a length of 2 cm or more. Some seeds have a narrow and underdeveloped wing (4-8 mm), which easily falls off. Pine seeds ripen 2-3 years after pollination. The seed shell is thick, covered with a dark brown coloring pigment on the outside, which is easily erased, staining the hands red-brown. The de-pigmented shell has a pastel yellow-brown color. The kernel (endosperm) is white, oily. The taste of pinioli also resembles the seeds of Siberian pine, but unlike them, they have a slight resinous flavor and a more delicate texture. Debu K., describing the fatty cedar oil, which has long been obtained in Siberia from the seeds of the Siberian pine, pointed to its limited production, to the fact that the peeling of cedar seeds is carried out by day laborers with their teeth. The shell walls of the pine nut are much thicker and harder than those of the Siberian cedar seed, so it would be much more difficult to peel pine seeds in such a “manual” way ... In fairness, it should be noted that in artificial plantings in order to obtain cones and cedar seeds, preference is still given the form of pine with thin-walled seeds - Pinus pinea f. fragilishort.

The main suppliers of pine seeds are now the following countries: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Tunisia and Turkey.

Author's digression. Italian cedar pine, like some other types of pines, is often used, for example, in Spain for landscaping city streets and park recreation areas. In some parks in Barcelona, ​​where the trees have already reached fruitful age, in autumn, under a cedar pine, you can easily find an unshelled cone, despite the presence in the city of large parrots, magpies and other seed-loving birds. This fact aroused our special interest, since in St. Petersburg, where neither nutcrackers nor parrots live, it was difficult to find a whole cone of Siberian pine. We entered into competition with the crows, who in a matter of minutes completely pecked at the cone that had fallen to the ground. We encountered a similar situation in the Moscow region, only here the main competitors in collecting cones were squirrels, who cut the cone to the ground, while, unlike crows, they did not wait for it to fall, but plucked the cone from the tree.

The absence of traces of peeled pine cones on the ground under the trees and the abundance of full, unshelled ones, including last year's ones, made us take a closer look at them. Unripe pine cones on the tree do not have gaps between the scales. Ripening on the tree and drying up, the cone opens, the seeds fall out of it, while the empty cone can still hang for 2-3 years before falling to the ground. A similar thing happens with prematurely fallen cones, drying up, their scales rise and diverge, facilitating access to seeds for small rodents. We noticed that in cones lying on the ground, along with separate empty nests, in some there are seeds located unnaturally - they are wedged between the large scales of the cone as if they tried to pull the seeds out of their nests, but unsuccessfully - they were warped and stuck, even with fingers it was very difficult to move such seeds from their place. It is possible that it is difficult for birds to peck at a whole pine cone and they simply pull out the most conveniently located large seeds from the nests. Past experience of peeling Siberian pine cones made it possible to feel the difference between the cones of these types of pines. Thus, it was easier to extract seeds from a pine cone by successively breaking off its tougher and thicker scales as a whole, starting from the base of the cone and moving towards the top. It was not possible to disassemble a Siberian pine cone in the same way as a pine cone. In fallen cones of Siberian pine, the scales are thinner and more brittle, their upper outer parts easily break off, revealing the seeds hidden under them. It is much easier for birds to extract seeds from such a cone, and it is apparently more difficult to cope with the tougher and thicker scales of the cone and the shell of pine pine seeds ... Large cones that have fallen for the winter act as a haven for a number of species of insects that quickly occupy free places in it. So, having collected several large cones of various types of pines in the second half of September in one of the botanical gardens in Barcelona, ​​in just a couple of days, we were forced to get rid of them. After the cones began to open in the warmth, various insects began to creep out of them in abundance, including those that looked like our ticks.

In ancient times, along with edible chestnuts, pine pine nuts were the main food of the locals. Now they are included in many Spanish and Italian gourmet dishes. In the same Spain, it is easy to find shelled pine seeds for sale in size and shape that are characteristically different from our cedar seeds. There is evidence that pine nuts were used by the Etruscans at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC. e. In Greece already in 200 BC. e. pine seeds were exported. In England, at the places of deployment of Roman military camps, the remains of pine shells were found in garbage heaps, which indicates the inclusion of cedar seeds in the Romans' camping diet. Now the main suppliers of pine nuts to the European market are Spain, Italy and Turkey.

Among the most important microelements in pine seeds were found: potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and from macroelements: iron, zinc, manganese. The energy value of pine seeds is 583 kcal/100g.

Rich in protein (31.6-40.6%), oil (45-50%), sugars (5.15%), vitamins: B 1 (thiamine) 1.50 mg / 100 g, B 2 (riboflavin) 0, 28mg/100g, C (ascorbic acid) 2.50mg/100g pine nuts are used as a folk remedy for beriberi, indigestion and colds as an emollient.

Amasiatsi A. (XV century) wrote that pine nuts help with nervous trembling and relaxation, and are useful for coughing and asthma. They help with burning during urination and bladder ulcers, with pain in the lower back and trembling in the body, sciatic nerve disease and weakness of the lungs. Pine nuts increase semen excretion, and the use of seeds with honey not only enhances potency, but also cleanses the bladder and kidneys of stones and sand. If eaten with dried figs, dates, or vinegar honey, they "dissolve bladder stones and help with scorpion stings." And if you boil the shell and rinse with its decoction, then “they will remove the mucus and help with toothache [pain].” Pine fumigation is useful for eyelash loss. A decoction of pine needles helps with diseases of the liver and stomach.

Avicenna (X century) recommended pine nuts boiled in sweet wine to cleanse the lungs of pus. Avicenna warned that pine nuts are difficult to digest, but they feed strongly and plentifully, the use of pine nuts in large quantities causes cramps in the intestines.

It has been established that due to the high content of linoleic acid in pine seeds, eating them reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

Fallen needles, which have accumulated for years at the foot of a tree, create favorable conditions for the growth and development of mycelium, for example, such a useful mushroom as gray row (serushka), which is very valued in the countries of growth.

Methods and indications for the use of pine nuts and pine shells are in many ways similar to the methods and indications used by traditional medicine in different countries in relation to the seeds of other cedar pines, for example, Siberian pine, Korean pine, etc.

In particular, the ingestion of alcohol infusion of pine seeds ground with shell has shown its effectiveness in relieving back pain and osteochondrosis. To prepare the infusion, purified water, alcohol, honey and nuts are used, all ingredients in equal parts. The nuts are crushed together with the shell and poured with warm boiled water, the resulting mixture is infused for 4-5 days in a warm and dark place. Then, alcohol is added to the container, mixed and aged for another 3-4 weeks (21-28 days). After that, the solution is filtered, squeezed, and honey is added to the resulting infusion. After aging for another 4-5 days, the ready-to-drink drink is poured into dark glass bottles, tightly corked and stored in a dark place. During storage, stratification of the infusion can occur - cedar oil floats up, and resinous components and sediment accumulate at the bottom. The infusion is used three times a day, for 10-15 minutes. before meals, one tablespoon.

Analogues of these pines can be found on other continents. For example, two more closely related species: cedar pine - P. cembroides Zucc. and edible pine - P. edulis Engelm. can be found: the first - in the mountains of Northern Mexico, and the second - in the southern states of the USA: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico. These trees, reaching a height of 6-10 m, produce large seeds (up to 1.5 cm), whose kernels are rich in oil (oil content 58-62%), they are tasty and widely eaten by the local population, these nuts are sold under the name mexicaan pifion - Mexican pinoli.

Air-dried pine seeds contain: oil (45-50%), protein (31.8%), sugars (6%), water (6%), licitic-phosphoric acid (0.05%), ash (4.4% ), vitamin B, etc. .

The fatty oil obtained by pressing pine seed kernels contains a mixture of liquid fatty acids (94.5%) and a mixture of solid fatty acids (5.5%). From liquid fatty acids, oleic (51-57% of their total) and linoleic (43-49%) prevail, and from solid ones palmitic (92%) and stearic (8%).

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (88.01%): linoleic (47.28%), oleic (36.56%). Saturated fatty acids: palmitic (6.67%), stearic, lignoceric. In addition, pine seed oil contains cis-5-olefinic acid (2.24%).

The composition of the unsaponifiable fraction of the oil includes sitosterol and a number of trace elements. Of the vitamins contained in the oil, a high content of tocopherols was recorded: α-tocopherol (15.34), γ-tocopherol (1.681), δ-tocopherol (41.87), which makes pine oil a valuable source of antioxidants.

Fatty oil, depending on the variety, can be used as a food or as a technical one. Refined food grade oil has a light yellow color, pleasant taste and almost no smell. Technical grades are suitable for the manufacture of varnishes and paints.

The needles contain ascorbic acid (0.69%), essential oil.

Essential oil obtained in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden in June 1923 by Kondratsky A.P. from pine, had a yield of 0.027%. The resulting sample of essential oil was analyzed by B. N. Rutovsky and I. V. Vinogradova, they determined the following oil constants: density d 20 / 4 0.8878; refractive index n 20 / D 1.4842; solubility in 90 º alcohol 1:2. Goryaev M.I. also refers to the same data.

Based on the similarity of the purposes of using all cedar pines and, in particular, pine, in urban landscaping, it can be assumed that essential oil from pine needles has antiseptic, bactericidal and bacteriostatic, deodorizing, repellent, fungistatic and fungicidal effects.

Heated pine wood exudes a pleasant smell, thanks to the resin contained in it - resin. Pine resin is valued above many other pine resins in its smell. So, even a contemporary of Avicenna - Beruni noted that the resin of the pine tree - "zift" was often used as a full-fledged substitute for the resin of the turpentine tree, as well as for falsifying incense.

In industrial volumes, resin is extracted by tapping trees, which are to be cut down in the next 3-4 years. Fresh resin contains turpentine or turpentine oil (16-18.5%) and rosin.

The composition of turpentine oil (gum turpentine) includes l-limonene (75.4-80%) l-pinene (16.7%) and others. Density of turpentine oil d 24/4 0.8393; n 23 / D 1, 4733.

Pine turpentine oil has an antiseptic, diuretic, local irritant and anthelmintic effect. It is used in the treatment of infections of the kidneys and bladder, and in rubbing and in steam baths in the treatment of rheumatic conditions. In addition, these applications of turpentine oil are effective in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, such as coughs, colds, influenza and tuberculosis. Externally, it is used, for example, in the form of ointments, compresses, herbal baths for the treatment of skin problems, wounds, ulcers, burns, boils, etc. .

The fact that turpentine was extracted from the resin (“zift”) of coniferous trees, including pines, was pointed out by Dioscorides (I century). There were at least two ways to obtain turpentine oil or "Zift oil":

When boiling resin in water, turpentine floats to the surface, from where it was collected with the help of wool;

Gum (“zift”) was boiled in a vat of water, over which a woolen rag was hung, and when it was moistened from rising vapors, it was squeezed into a separate vessel.

It was believed that the best oil was obtained in the second way, and Avicenna also emphasized this. In this way, as a result of boiling zift, two products were obtained: zift oil (turpentine or turpentine oil) and dry zift (rosin), which were part of many medicines.

Theophrastus (4th century BC) noted that if zift is boiled together with olive wood, it does not freeze.

Rosin was also actively used at that time as a protective coating for ships, because of its ability to withstand sea water.

Pineic acid predominates in the composition of Italian pine rosin.

In addition, since ancient times, the temperature treatment of wood of pine, juniper, etc. without access to oxygen (pyrolysis) produced thick, with a strong smell of wood resin - "kitran", or tar. According to Dioscorides, this resin has the power to “corrode and dismember living bodies, preserving dead bodies,” and if the kitran gets on something, then “its traces are stable and almost never come off,” it “spoils clothing and skin.” Kitran has also been used for healing. For example, juniper kitran was used in the treatment of scabies and to soften the skin, and wild olive kitran, although it treats scabies, makes the skin rough and causes cracks. Oil was made from kitran, as well as from zift, and the remainder was a thick or even dry and brittle substance - a low-grade resin called "dakal".

Ink was made from the soot of pine wood and one third of gum arabic in ancient times.

Interesting fact. The prototype of the literary hero A. Tolstoy Pinocchio is Pinocchio, in whose name the Italian author of the fairy tale Carlo Collodi (1881) reflected the name of the coniferous tree, which served as the material for its manufacture. Italian pine in those days was often used to make carved toys.

Literature.

1. Trees and shrubs of the USSR, vol. 1, M.-L., 1949.

2. Vasiliev A. V. Flora of trees and shrubs of the subtropics of Western Georgia. pp. 5-207. Proceedings of the Sukhumi Botanical Garden. Issue. 8. Sukhumi: 1955.

3. Kolesnikov A. I., Eristavi R. R. Italian pine is a valuable tree species for forestry and green building of the Georgian SSR. pp. 201-226. On Sat. ABLOS: Proceedings of the Abkhaz Research Forest Experimental Station. Issue. 2. M.: Lesnaya prom-st, 1966.

4. Wehmer C. Die Pflanzenstoffe. Zweiter Auflage, Jena; Erster Band, Page 27, 1929; Zweiter Band, Page 1301, 1931.

5. Useful plants of the USSR. T1. M.-L.: Ed. USSR Academy of Sciences, 1951.

6. Gildemeister E., Hoffmann Fr. Die atherischen öle. Band IV. Berlin: Akademie-Verlag, 1956.

7. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.

8. Kondratsky A.P. Data on the yield of essential oils from some plants of the Russian flora. pp. 90-96. On Sat. Proceedings of the Scientific Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute. Issue. 10. About Russian essential oils. Sat.2. M.: 1924.

9. Rutovsky B. N., Vinogradova I. V. Constants of some Crimean and Caucasian essential oils. pp. 88-89. On Sat. Proceedings of the Scientific Chemical-Pharmaceutical Institute. Issue. 10. About Russian essential oils. Sat.2. M.: 1924.

10. Goryaev M.I. Essential oils of the flora of the USSR. Alma-Ata: Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR, 1952.

© Fedotov S.V. August 2010. Photo by the author

Indeed, Italian pine and Siberian cedar have much in common and are similar to each other, like close relatives. Everyone knows the exquisite taste and resinous-pine aroma of these Mediterranean delicacies, but few people know what important and useful properties they have.

Appearance

Pinia is a coniferous tree of the pine family. It grows mainly in the Mediterranean countries, often found in Italy. Italian pine is a tall beautiful tree with a dense dark green crown. It can be easily recognized by the spreading branches at the top. Densely planted with needles, they form an umbrella canopy under which you can hide from the hot day.

Its seeds are formed in cones, which are densely located throughout the tree, sometimes single, sometimes in groups of up to three pieces. They ripen in the fall in the third year. In the spring, the cones open and the seeds fall out of them. But the cones themselves continue to hang on the pine for another two or three years. Pinia seeds are very reminiscent of the familiar pine nuts to all of us: oblong, elongated, ribbed. The shell of nuts is dark brown, with lighter patches.

Pine nuts are considered the largest representatives of pine trees, they are four times larger than pine nuts. Their shell is quite strong, containing a tasty grain with a delicate resinous aroma. Pinia bears fruit every year, bringing a large harvest, and its life expectancy is over 500 years. In Italy, its seeds are called pinoli.

Pinia has a fairly extensive habitat: it is common on the Mediterranean coast, in parts of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in the Crimea and the Caucasus. Often found in Turkey. Pinia settles both in the sands and in loose soil. Loves sunlight and is favorable to drought.

With its beauty, pine captivated people as early as the 1st millennium BC. It was widely used by the ancient Etruscans, first for decorative purposes, and then for nutritional purposes. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used the fruits of this tree. When exploring Pompeii, pine seeds were found in the homes of residents.

Due to its interesting appearance, pine pine is great for the Chinese art of bonsai - growing an exact copy of a tree in miniature. By the way, the notorious Pinocchio, whose image was so well embodied in Pinocchio by Alexei Tolstoy, was made from this log. And it was with pine cones that he fired at the harmful Karabas-Barabas. And the huge beard of this villain eventually stuck to the trunk, richly flavored with resin, also, it turns out, this pine.

In general, in art and culture, the image of the pine was widely used by both artists and composers. For example, the famous Sandro Botticelli immortalized them in his paintings illustrating the short story by Giovanni Boccaccio from The Decameron. Thanks to this famous artist, the pine grove near Ravenna is known all over the world. And Ottorino Respighi, an Italian composer, wrote a poem for the symphony orchestra "The Pines of Rome", which reflected his impressions of these evergreen beauties that adorn the city. By the way, pine cones are also quite an interesting decorative element. In Mesopotamia, they were widely used to decorate household items and furniture.

Storage and selection of nuts

On sale you can find different types of pine nuts, but when buying, it is advisable to give preference to those seeds that are in the shell. The shelf life of unpeeled nuts is much longer than those freed from the shell. The second, after a few weeks, lose their taste and useful qualities. The fact is that fats, which are rich in pine nuts, are oxidized when exposed to air, which is the reason for the loss of their taste. To keep the refined grains longer and not waste their positive qualities, you should keep them in the refrigerator or, even better, in the freezer.

Nutritional value of pine nuts

In pine nuts, as in any other nuts, fats predominate.

The energy value of pine nuts is approximately 630 kcal.

The chemical composition of nuts

These small nucleoli are a real storehouse of useful vitamins and minerals, which is reflected in their beneficial and healing properties.

In the vitamin composition, the presence of (riboflavin, thiamine and niacin), as well as vitamins A and C, can be noted. Copper, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus predominate in the mineral composition. Smaller proportions contain zinc, manganese, iron, calcium.

Beneficial features

Pine nuts have many beneficial properties, thanks to the minerals and vitamins that make up their composition. Not only that, because of their exquisite taste, they are in demand in cooking and are used in the cuisines of different countries. Pine nuts also have a number of medicinal properties that are successfully used in traditional medicine. They are very effective for:

• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• cough, bronchitis and throat diseases;
• the appearance of various superficial wounds, as a means for their healing;
• skin diseases and allergic rash;
• heart disease;

Use in medicine

These delicious nuts have a positive effect on the human immune system, relieve fatigue, are a wonderful tool for healing stomach ulcers, improve liver and kidney function, and are a powerful diuretic. They are also very useful for men, as their regular use significantly increases potency and enhances sperm motility. Nut extracts are used both as an expectorant and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Often used for conjunctivitis and eyelash mites.

Pine nuts are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are responsible for the strength of bones and teeth, magnesium, which protects the nervous system and reduces the risk of depression, zinc, which has a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails, promotes wound healing.

From these fat-rich grains, various oils are extracted that are used in the food industry, as well as for the manufacture of paints and varnishes. The essential oil extracted from the Italian pine is considered very useful. It has a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic effect, in addition, it gives a pleasant coniferous aroma and is an excellent aphrodisiac.

Application in cooking

Pine nuts are used in the popular Italian pesto, which is widely used in cooking as a pasta dressing. But they can also be found in pastries, confectionery, various salads. Often they are used to add spice and sophistication to ordinary dishes. For example, if you use finely chopped nuts for meat marinade, you get a dish that many gourmets will appreciate. Pine nuts, despite the fact that they are valued and used all over the world, are widely used in cooking in Italy and France.

italian pumpkin recipe

For cooking you will need:

• pumpkin - 1 kg;
• beef - 500-600 g;
• pork - 500 g;
• cherry tomatoes - about 150-200 g;
• pine nuts (you can use ordinary pine nuts) - about 100 g;
• greenery;
• paprika - 1 pc;
• sauerkraut - 300 g;
• onion - 2 medium heads;
• carrots - 2-3 pieces;
• butter - 100 g.

Rinse, cut and peel. and fry in a pan. There also send coarsely chopped onion and. Simmer everything for 15 minutes. Then add sauerkraut and pepper to the roast. Mix all this, add butter and stuff the prepared pumpkin with the resulting mixture. Cover the resulting dish with foil and bake for an hour and a half at a temperature of 180 degrees.

Application in traditional medicine

Pine seeds, due to their beneficial properties, are widely used in folk medicine. With their help, infusions and alcohol tinctures are made, which have a beneficial effect on the body in the autumn-winter period. They strengthen the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Often, an infusion of nuts is used in the treatment of coughs and for rinsing the mouth, with tonsillitis, tonsillitis and periodontal disease.

These nuts are famous for their positive effect on the sexual function of the body. For example, with a weakening of potency, the ancient Greeks advised three days at night to use a mixture made from honey, cedar and. And the Arabs, in order to be on top, offer to eat 100 pine nuts and 12 almonds for three days.

Pine nut tincture

This useful tincture can be used for various diseases. For its manufacture you will need:

• pine seeds - 250 g;
• water - 500 ml;
• alcohol - 500 ml;
• honey - 200 g.

Unpeeled pine seeds grind and pour warm boiled water. Put in a dark place for a week. After that, add and insist for another month. Infusion filter and add. Store the resulting product should be in a dark cool place. Shake well before use.

Harm and contraindications

Pine nuts have practically no contraindications, as they are natural ingredients that grow in ecologically clean areas and do not contain any harmful impurities. Like any other food, they should be consumed within reason. But there are a number of factors in which it is not recommended to use nuts:

• individual intolerance to the product;
• children under 3 years of age (small nuts can get into the child's respiratory tract).

If you constantly eat a large number of nuts, the functioning of the organs of touch and hearing can be disrupted. In this case, you should stop eating nuts and after a few days everything will be normal. Also, due to their high calorie content and saturation with fatty acids, a large number of nuts should not be consumed with problems with weight and obesity. Otherwise, nuts are a tasty, healthy and nutritious product.

conclusions

Pine nuts are an exquisite expensive delicacy, highly valued all over the world due to their pleasant taste, resinous and invigorating coniferous aroma and a whole vitamin and mineral complex contained in their composition. These grains have successfully won the love of culinary experts in Italy and France and are confidently conquering other countries and cities. Their beneficial properties are highly valued in folk medicine and in the manufacture of oils. Due to their chemical composition, they help prevent various diseases, prevent colds, increase immunity and strengthen the body as a whole. Their regular use reduces the risk of depression and has a beneficial effect on the human nervous system. Pine nuts are a tasty and healthy delicacy, a bit repulsive due to their high cost. But in general, they are only beneficial for the body, so eating them in moderation is beneficial and advisable.