Ruth Reichl pines for Italian Pine Nuts

In the constellation of food authorities and celebrities, Ruth Reichl has definitely earned the title of food hero. We’re so inspired by her philosophy: eating is much more than just feeding yourself, it’s giving value and integrity to food.  So, we were absolutely thrilled when she dedicated a big section of her newsletter to our pine nuts in her 2024 gift guide!

If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift for a cook, you could hardly do better than Gustiamo Pinoli which are organically grown and harvested by hand. I can’t think of a better way to stuff a stocking.

Ruth has been a long-time friend of Gustiamo and big fan of our Italian pinoli. Ever since we know her, she’s been shedding some light on why Italian pine nuts are better, starting with a question: “Would you be shocked to learn that the pine nuts you’re most likely using in your pesto come from China or Siberia? I was.” Italian pinoli look different from Chinese or Siberian ones, because they belong to a whole other species. Our pine nuts come from the trees called Pinus Pinea, growing in the pine tree forests that run down Italy’s west coast along the Tyrrhenian Sea, from Liguria to Calabria. Not only do they look longer and sleeker, but most importantly their flavor is a completely different one.

I took out a handful [of store bought pine nuts] and laid them next to the ones I’d bought in Italy. Half the size! Then I tasted them: half the flavor too.

Ruth, you’re right! Our Italian pinoli are unlike any you can get from the grocery store. These ivory-colored nuts burst with fresh pine flavor and creamy texture. We get them from Roberto Panizza aka “The Pesto King,” who uses these exact pine nuts to make his award winning pesto genovese!

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