Pine Nut Oil

Description

Pine nut oil is a golden, delicate, and fragrant oil extracted from the seeds of various pine species, particularly Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) and Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis). The nuts are small but packed with oil, and cold pressing yields a highly nutritious, aromatic, and velvety oil. Used traditionally by indigenous Siberian cultures, pine nut oil has gained popularity across the world for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

Pine nut oil is one of the most expensive oils in the world due to the difficulty of harvesting and the small oil yield per nut. However, its flavor and health properties make it a treasured gourmet and therapeutic oil.

Nutritional Composition:

• Monounsaturated fats (MUFA): ~50–55% (mainly oleic acid)

• Polyunsaturated fats (PUFA): ~35–40% (linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid)

• Saturated fats: ~6–10% (palmitic and stearic acids)

• Pinolenic acid (omega-6) – unique to pine nuts; helps suppress appetite and reduce inflammation

• Vitamin E (especially gamma- and delta-tocopherols)

• Phytosterols – naturally cholesterol-lowering

• Magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and selenium

• Fat-soluble vitamins A and K

• Polyphenols and essential amino acids

Pinolenic acid is exclusive to pine nuts, giving this oil special bioactive qualities not found in other cooking oils.

Health Benefits:

• Improves digestive health – coats the stomach lining and soothes ulcers

• Appetite suppressant – pinolenic acid signals satiety hormones (GLP-1, CCK)

• Supports liver function – reduces fat accumulation and oxidative stress

• Boosts brain and cognitive health – omega fatty acids and zinc

• Anti-inflammatory – alleviates arthritis, skin irritation, and gut inflammation

• Improves cardiovascular health – lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

• Immune support – rich in antioxidants and micronutrients

• Promotes skin repair and elasticity

• May aid in blood sugar regulation

• Used in healing regimens for gastritis, ulcers, and reflux (GERD)

It’s often recommended in natural digestive health protocols and anti-aging treatments.

Culinary Applications:

Pine nut oil has a moderate smoke point (~320°F / 160°C), so it’s best used raw or gently warmed. Its creamy, nutty, slightly sweet flavor makes it excellent for:

• Finishing salads, risottos, and grilled vegetables

• Drizzling over pasta, gnocchi, or ravioli

• Adding depth to nut-based sauces and dips (e.g., pine nut pesto)

• Enhancing hummus, baba ganoush, or lentil spreads

• Blending into smoothies or protein shakes

• Garnishing soups like tomato, pumpkin, or mushroom

• Mixing into yogurt, cottage cheese, or quinoa bowls

• Combining with balsamic vinegar or citrus for dressing

• Dipping fresh bread in flavored with herbs and garlic

Just a small amount (1–2 tsp) is enough to enhance both flavor and nutrition.

Flavor and Texture:

• Color: Pale yellow to light gold

• Flavor: Buttery, mildly sweet, nutty, with a delicate aftertaste

• Texture: Silky, medium-bodied

• Aroma: Subtly resinous and pine-like

• Aftertaste: Clean, creamy, mildly woody

Its luxury mouthfeel and refined taste make it a favorite in high-end kitchens.

Skincare and Cosmetic Benefits:

Pine nut oil is excellent for topical use, especially in:

• Anti-aging serums and moisturizers – nourishes and firms skin

• Healing balms for dry, chapped, or inflamed skin

• Massage oils – relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and deeply moisturizing

• Hair conditioning treatments – strengthens strands, prevents flaking

• Treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis

• Gentle baby oil substitute

• Natural lip balm base or hand cream additive

Its anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic nature makes it safe for sensitive skin types.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Due to its delicate polyunsaturated content, pine nut oil must be stored carefully:

• Shelf life: 6–9 months unopened, 3–6 months opened

• Always store in a dark, cool place (refrigeration preferred)

• Use dark amber bottles to prevent UV degradation

• Seal tightly to prevent oxidation

• Discard if it develops a rancid or waxy smell

Fresh oil has a delightful aroma and smooth finish; old oil turns bitter or waxy.

Sustainability:

Pine nut oil is harvested from wild-growing or semi-cultivated pine trees, particularly:

• Siberian cedar pine forests (Russia)

• Korean pine groves (China, Korea)

• Chilgoza pine trees (India, Pakistan)

Challenges:

• Slow yield – trees take decades to mature

• Labor-intensive harvest – done by hand in many regions

• Low oil yield – 1 liter of oil requires ~3–4 kg of seeds

• However, most production is low-impact and traditional

• Supports indigenous economies and forest preservation efforts

As a result, pine nut oil is often organic by default, though expensive due to limited supply.

Summary:

Pine nut oil is a gourmet, therapeutic, and highly nourishing oil offering a perfect blend of delicate flavor and dense nutrition. With its unique composition, including the rare pinolenic acid, it stands out not only as a culinary treasure but also as a digestive aid, beauty enhancer, and functional wellness oil. Whether drizzled over risotto or massaged into the skin, pine nut oil delivers pure, golden luxury from the heart of the forest.

Quantity is 100 ml