Chilghoza Pine (Pinus gerardiana)

Family: Pinaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Pinus gerardiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft 0in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, 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, they have a pleasant flavour with a hint of resin and can be used as a staple food. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Rich in oil, they have a pleasant flavour with a hint of resin and can be used as a staple food.; Used like pistachio nuts.; A very good size, up to 2.5cm (1 inch) long.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry inner valleys, usually on limestone, to 3000 metres. Gregarious on dry steep rocky slopes on granite or clay slate in areas beyond the reach of the S.W. monsoons. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)