Home > How to cook pine nuts - home cooking methods

How to cook pine nuts - home cooking methods

Pine nuts contain 19 amino acids - 8 of them are essential for health: leucine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, as well as threonine, tryptophan, valine and phenylalanine. The body is unable to synthesize them on its own, so regular consumption of pine nuts can make up for the deficiency of these amino acids.

Useful properties of pine nuts

Cedar nuts are known for their beneficial effects on all processes in the body.

There are 5 most important properties:

Decrease in blood sugar

Thanks to their rich composition, cedar kernels help to normalize the level of sugar in the body. This property is explained by their content of healthy fats, easily digestible protein and fiber.

Thanks to the low glycemic index of cedar kernels - only 15, they can be regularly consumed by people suffering from diabetes. Numerous studies show that the daily consumption on an empty stomach of 60 g of pine nuts for two months can reduce the sugar level, as well as the sensitivity to insulin in patients.

In addition, the seeds of Siberian pine provide the body with a daily rate of manganese, which helps to minimize the risk of diabetes. Phenolic substances contained in pine nuts have the same effect.

Weight loss

Siberian pine seeds are a high-calorie product, but their consumption does not contribute to weight gain. Studies show that pine nuts help quickly satiate the body with a feeling of fullness. They can be used as a healthy snack during weight loss. The fatty acids contained in the product help suppress appetite.

Normalization of sleep

The seeds are recommended for treating insomnia because they contain tryptophan (more than 40% of the daily rate), an important amino acid that is involved in the production of serotonin. As we know, serotonin directly affects a person's emotional state, the level of anxiety and happiness, and helps improve sleep. That is why pine nuts are often called "food for good mood and sleep".

Improving brain health

Siberian pine kernels are a treasure trove of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Their regular consumption helps maintain brain health, preserve cognitive function longer and reduce the risk of dementia.

Reducing cholesterol and blood pressure

The seeds contain pinolenic acid, which helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. In addition, the product contains magnesium, the deficiency of which in the body leads to high blood pressure. Therefore, pine nuts are recommended to consume as a preventive measure. They also contain vitamins E, K and manganese, which help to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Culinary applications of pine nuts

Pine seeds are widely used in the preparation of many culinary dishes. They can be added to salads, fish or meat dishes. They give a dish a pleasant taste and go well with many kinds of cheese. They can be added to sauces, for example, in Italian pesto.

How to cook roasted cedar seeds

When roasted, the flavor of pine nuts becomes even richer. However, you should not add oil when roasting - pine seeds already secrete it during heat treatment.

You can cook the kernels both in a frying pan and on a baking tray in the oven. It is recommended to roast the seeds in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until a pleasant aroma appears. For the nuts to roast evenly they should be stirred during cooking.

When cooked, they acquire a golden-brown color. After cooking it is not recommended to leave the nuts on the hot tray, as they will continue to roast. They should be transferred to a clean, cool surface.

Once the seeds have cooled completely, they can be stored in an airtight container away from sunlight. It is not recommended to store roasted kernels for more than a week. The roasted seeds can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for a long time, up to a maximum of six months.