Mexican White Pine (Pinus ayacahuite)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Pinus ayacahuite is an evergreen Tree growing to 55 m (180ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in oil, the seed has a resinous flavour. — Seed - raw or cooked.; The seed is about 8mm long.; Rich in oil, the seed has a resinous flavour.; A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood.

Habitat & North American Range

Lower pine forests in cool mountains in Mexico. Sheltered valleys and mountain slopes at elevations of 2,400 - 3,300 metres. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)