Mexican Pine Nut (Pinus cembroides orizabensis)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Pinus cembroides orizabensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 15 m (49ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. 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, Bark/Inner Bark

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood. — Seed - the oily seed kernel is eaten raw, roasted, ground into a powder for making bread, cakes etc or made into a nut butter.; A very good size, the seed is up to 20mm long.; Said to be the highest in protein and lowest in starch of all the piñons.; The seed contains about 14.6% protein, 62% fat.

Habitat & North American Range

Hot arid mountain slopes above 2000 metres, with juniper and scrub oak. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)