Are pine cones edible?

When prepared properly, some green pine cones are technically edible, although they may be difficult to digest . Pine nuts, also known as pine seeds, are edible seeds contained within pine cones that are much tastier. Pine nuts contain protein, carbs, fat, vitamin K, vitamin B1 (thiamine), and magnesium.

How do you prepare pine cones to eat?

When young, female pine cones are green and tightly closed; you can boil green pine cones in water to soften them and make them edible. If you're just looking to eat the pine nuts, seek out young pine cones and cut them open to access the seeds.

What are the benefits of eating pine cones?

Pine cones, which are used for decoration purposes, are consumed as a natural treatment for upper respiratory tract diseases during the winter months. Pine cone strengthens the immune system during seasonal transitions and increases body resistance against diseases .

Why can't you eat pinecones?

While pine cones themselves are technically edible, humans typically do not eat them directly . As mentioned earlier, pine cones contain pine nuts, which can be harvested and used in a variety of culinary dishes.

Can you boil and eat pine cones?

If you're looking to try them plain, MasterClass recommends you boil the green pine cones to soften them up before eating . Still, MasterClass notes that while young green pine cones are edible when made this way, they're also hard to digest. So, it's not dangerous to eat but can still cause some general discomfort.

Can you roast and eat pine cones?

They can be eaten raw but are better roasted or toasted . Encourage your collected pine cones to open and reveal their seeds by keeping them warm and dry. As with all our ideas for gathering and foraging from nature, please only take a small amount and leave plenty behind to fulfil its role in nature.

What kind of pine cones have edible pine nuts?

Pine nuts come from pinyon pine trees. These pines are native to the United States, although other pines with edible pine nuts are native to Europe and Asia, like the European stone pine and the Asian Korean pine . Pine nuts are the smallest and the fanciest of all nuts.

Can you eat spruce pine cones?

Their edibility (from cones to leaves, bark, pollen and sap or gum), while relatively unknown to our settler cultures, is a staple to indigenous peoples across Canada —particularly for its Vitamin C content. Spruce trees also provide foraging opportunity all year round.

Edible Chocolate Pinecones | Recipe by My Name Is Snickerdoodle (2024)

Edible Chocolate Pinecones are such a holiday delight! This no bake dessert recipe can be made ahead and only takes 30 minutes to create. A creamy center made of peanut butter and chocolate spread and would you believe the outside is made of cereal?! Imagine these on your Christmas dessert board or bringing them to your holiday party!

Food can be so fun during the holidays. Every now and then I like a recipe that gives me a challenge, but I tend to enjoy easy and simple recipes that make quite the impact. Like my Donut Christmas Trees. No one can resist them! I also love creating my festive Christmas Tree Cheese and Cracker Board. And not a year goes by when I don’t make my Peppermint S’mores. A personal favorite for sure!

Edible Chocolate Pinecones | Recipe by My Name Is Snickerdoodle (1)

Christmas Treats

I first saw these years and years ago on a fun website and instantly knew I had to make them. My three boys were really little at the time, so they didn’t really help me. They sure did enjoy them and have had fun making them as they’ve grown.

How To Make Chocolate Pinecones

Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
In a medium bowl combine peanut butter, Nutella, butter and vanilla together until smooth.
Slowly add I powdered sugar a little at a time, making sure it’s well mixed in after each time.
Once all of the powered sugar has been added, you should end up with a thick dough consistency.
Divide chocolate peanut butter dough into 8 equal parts.
Mold one portion completely around one pretzel rod and form a cone shape with the pointy end at the top.
The pretzel should be completely covered.
Place on the parchment lined baking tray and repeat the process with the remaining dough and pretzels.
Starting at the bottom and working your way up in a spiral, press in one cereal square at a time and a slight angle pointing upwards.
Once you’ve gotten to the top, carefully slice a cereal square in half on the diagonal using a serrated knife.
These will create your top middle pieces.
Dust each pinecone with extra powdered sugar to make the appearance of snow!
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Edible Chocolate Pinecones | Recipe by My Name Is Snickerdoodle (2)

If you need more Christmas and holiday recipes in your life, click these below!

Christmas Punch
Magic Cookie Bars For Christmas
Chocolate Pecan Bars
Grinch Sundaes by Gluesticks Blog