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• Stone Pine

Stone Pine

Pinus pinea

Ever wondered where pine nuts come from? You might be surprised to know that they are harvested from the cones of certain conifers.

In the Mediterranean, Stone Pines have been harvested for pine nuts since prehistoric times. They can be eaten raw or added to cooked dishes, or can ground into a powder to thicken soups and stews. Each cone takes seven years to mature and then releases up to 100 seeds on a hot summer day or after a fire.

There is much more to the Stone Pine than this however; this tree is native to southern Europe and particularly the Iberian Peninsula, it can grow over 25 metres high and has a characteristic umbrella shape. With its thick, reddish, deeply fissured bark it is an easily recognisable tree that is used for an astonishing variety of products.

The resin from the Stone Pine is harvested for a wide variety of uses: it contains turpentine, which can be used as an antiseptic, as a remedy for kidney and bladder problems, respiratory problems and also for skin treatments; as a wax for violin bows; for waterproofing and for varnishes. A green dye can be obtained from the needles, whilst the wood is often used for making furniture.