Mexican Pine Nut, Pinyon Pine

Pinus cembroides

Physical Characteristics

Pinus cembroides is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Southern N. America - Arizona to Texas, south to Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Inner bark Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Seed - the oily seed kernel is eaten raw, roasted, ground into a powder for making bread, cakes etc or made into a nut butter[1, 2, 11, 34, 62, 63, 92, 94, 183]. An excellent flavour[227]. A good size, the seeds are up to 15mm long[200]. Said to be the highest in protein and lowest in starch of all the piñons[183]. The seed contains about 14.6% protein, 62% fat. 17.3% carbohydrate[85]. This species provides a major source of seeds for sale in Mexico[229]. Inner bark - only used in times of dire need[85]. There are no more details but inner bark is often dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereals when making bread. A vanillin flavouring is obtained as a by-product of other resins that are released from the pulpwood[200].

Medicinal Uses

Poultice The gum exuding from damaged areas of the tree is used to treat sore throats[92, 117]. The turpentine obtained from the resin of all pine trees is antiseptic, diuretic, rubefacient and vermifuge[4]. It is a valuable remedy used internally in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints and is used both internally and as a rub and steam bath in the treatment of rheumatic affections[4]. It is also very beneficial to the respiratory system and so is useful in treating diseases of the mucous membranes and respiratory complaints such as coughs, colds, influenza and TB[4]. Externally it is a very beneficial treatment for a variety of skin complaints, wounds, sores, burns, boils etc and is used in the form of liniment plasters, poultices, herbal steam baths and inhalers[4].

Known Hazards

The wood, sawdust and resins from various species of pine can cause dermatitis in sensitive people[222].