ingredient
Pinhão
By José Foto
The prized seed of the stone pine, harvested in Portugal's forests and essential to many traditional dishes and sweets.
The pinhão is the edible seed of the stone pine, harvested from the distinctive umbrella-shaped trees that dot the Portuguese landscape. Portugal is one of the world's largest producers, with significant harvests in Trás-os-Montes and the Alentejo.
Pinhões appear in conventual sweets, rice dishes, and salads. Toasted pine nuts add richness to stuffings and are a traditional component of bolo-rei. Their buttery, slightly resinous flavour is unmistakable.