Can you eat pine cones?

Although pine cones are technically edible for humans and many animals , most creatures don't chow down on the cone itself. Instead, critters like squirrels and chipmunks use their sharp teeth to break open the cone and access the pine nuts inside.

Which pine cones are not edible?

Humans can eat seeds from particular pine cones, including Sugar Pine, Western White Pine, Longleaf Pine, Red Pine, and Pitch Pine. Species unsafe to eat include Ponderosa Pine, Yellow Pine, Lodgepole Pine, and Norfolk Island Pine . Not enough is known about these species to consider them safe for human consumption.

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 .

What kind of pine cones are edible?

As noted above, pinecones, at least some varieties, are indeed edible. In fact, most pine trees are completely edible with the exception of lodgepole, Norfolk, ponderosa, and yew, which are quite toxic.

What species of pine cones are edible?

The Tastiest: Pinyon Pine (Pinus edulis) Then you can probably thank the Italian stone pine (P. pinea) or the Korean pine (P. koraiensis) for their tasty commercialized seeds.

How can you tell if pine is edible?

How To Identify Edible Pine Needles? Edible pine needles are typically found on young pine trees and feature a bright, fresh green color . Needles of the correct species will have a slightly sour or tangy taste and a fragrant pine aroma.

Can you eat spruce pinecones?

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.

Can you smoke food with pine cones?

Cooking or smoking with pinecones is not a good idea because of their strong and acrid flavors, but by the time the charcoal is going nicely, the pinecones have been reduced to ashes and won't influence the flavors.

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.

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