New Mexico info

Where do pinon nuts grow in New Mexico?

More than 120 acres of brushy, twisted piñon pines lie within a private inholding of the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. At 500 years old, many predate the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. This is the only USDA certified wild organic crop of piñon in New Mexico.

How often do pinon trees produce nuts?

Be patient if you want to try gathering pinon nuts, as pinon trees produce seeds only once every four to seven years, depending on rainfall. Mid-summer is usually prime time for pinon nut harvest. If you want to harvest pinon nuts for commercial purposes, you’ll need a permit to harvest from trees on public lands.

Is there pinon in New Mexico?

Piñon is an unincorporated ranching community in Otero County in southern New Mexico, in the southwestern United States. The town is in the pinon-juniper shrublands habitat with an altitude of 6,060 feet.

Where can I pick pinon?

Piñon pines are most abundant near Trout Creek Pass and near Limestone Ridge, according to the USDA Forest Service, but they can be found throughout the valley. Residents do not need a permit to harvest for personal use, but if they are collecting pine nuts to resell for commercial use of a permit is required.

Why are pine nuts so expensive?

Pine nuts are one of the more expensive nuts on the market because of the time required to grow the nuts and the effort to harvest the seeds from their protective encasement.

What time of year do you harvest pine nuts?

They bud in the beginning of spring and grow until the end of summer. The cones become dormant during fall and winter and reach maturity come the following spring/summer season. Pine nuts are very difficult to harvest. Pine nuts are ready to harvest about 10 days before the green cone begins to open.

What’s a piñon tree look like?

Pinyon pine grows yellow-green needles, about 2 inches (5 cm.) long, that remain on the tree for some 8 or 9 years. The cones are small and resemble brown roses. Inside the cones you will find the treasured pine nuts, so it is no surprise that it is also written “pinon,” meaning pine nut in Spanish.

Why are pine nuts not nuts?

You are correct that pine nuts are actually seeds. The issue, therefore, of whether pine nuts should be avoided in patients who are allergic to nuts and seeds can only be decided by clinical judgment. However, in most instances, we advise that patients who are allergic to nuts to avoid all nuts, including pine “nuts”.

Are piñon nuts edible?

The pinyon or piñon pine group grows in southwestern North America, especially in New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. The trees yield edible nuts, which are a staple food of Native Americans, and widely eaten as a snack and as an ingredient in New Mexican cuisine.

What is a pinon in English?

: any of various small pines (such as Pinus quadrifolia, P. cembroides, P. edulis, and P. monophylla) of western North America with edible seeds also: the edible seed of a piñon.

Is pinon wood good for fire pit?

This makes pinon wood a very attractive choice for use in fire pits and chimineas, due to the fact that people commonly sit around these fire features to enjoy the warmth. The combo of an intriguing smell and insect protection makes pinon a great fire wood for patio fireplace use.

Are pine nuts from pine cones?

Pine nuts come from pine cones. Only 20 varieties of pine tree worldwide produce cones with large enough pine nuts for harvesting. Pinyon Pines, Pinus edulis (which only grow between 6,000 and 9,000 foot altitudes), offer the finest pine nuts in North America.

Can I harvest my own pine nuts?

The easiest way to get the pine nuts out of the cone is simply to lay the pine cones out and let them dry out on their own. It will take a few weeks, but the pine cones will open up. Then you can tap the pine cones and the seeds will fall out.

What does Pinon coffee taste like?

In the high desert mountains of the Southwest, piñon pine trees grow wild. The nut they produce is fairly rare and prized for its smooth and sweet, buttery taste.

Can you eat ponderosa pine nuts?

The Ponderosa Pine is usually located in the foothills from 7000 – 8000ft in elevation and can grow to over 250 feet tall. The small pine nuts (about 8mm long) are edible and collected by some people. They can be eaten raw or cooked. Rich in oil, the seed has a slightly resinous flavor.