Also called pignoli nuts, these small, teardrop-shaped nuts are harvested from pine cones. Pine nuts are higher in fat and calories than other types of nuts, but are a good source of blood pressure-regulating potassium, iron, copper and zinc and contain more protein than any other nut or seed.
Pine nuts tend to be expensive since the process is labour-intensive, but their delicate, piney flavour is delicious in everything from pesto to cookies.
Watch them carefully when toasting, because they burn easily.