Pinyon for The Holidays

The pinyon pine is native to the high plains and high deserts of southwestern U.S., parts of Mexico and even parts of southern Canada.

Growing naturally at elevations between 4,500 feet and 7,500 feet, the pinyon can thrive on low precipitation (12-18 inches per year), likes dry, rocky soils, and provides habitat and food (from its relatively large pine nuts) to songbirds, quail, squirrel, chipmunk, black bear and mule deer.

The seeds are not only eaten by animals. They are very tasty and rich in protein (there are 31 grams of protein to every 100 grams of pinyon nuts…the highest level of any nut). They are also high in dietary fiber, and have been cited in several studies as having antioxidant properties, as well as aiding in appetite suppression.

Pinyon nuts can be used in many recipes and foods, including salade landaise, baklava and chocolates, as well as with meat, fish and vegetable dishes.

If you drive down just about any highway in New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona and other western states, you can find roadside stands selling shelled pinyon nuts.

A good place to purchase them online is Goods from the Woods. Pinyon nuts are not cheap, but they are worth it, especially during the holidays. There are also recipes, nutrition facts and other information about pine nuts on that site, including how to grow the plants from seed and links to native plant growing organizations.

There are also some great recipes online at Desert USA.

If you’ve ever smelled a pinyon fire in your fireplace, or even in your outside fire pit, you already know that it is one of the greatest scents in the world. It always reminds me of the holidays. But, unless you live in one of the states where it grows, you know that pinyon firewood is very difficult to get.

Some states do allow collection in some of state-owned forests, and the Bureau of Land Management also permits collection of pinyon firewood in property it manages.

Although there are services in the southwest and west which will deliver pinyon within reasonable distances, there are two online sites that offer pinyon firewood and will ship it.

The first place is Blue Rooster, out of New Mexico. The second place is Home and Garden Accents. Both say they will ship anywhere.

Many people love live trees in their home for the holidays. Pinyons have a wonderfully clean, piney smell that exudes ‚”holiday.” From fall and throughout the winter is a great time to plant pinyons. One word of caution: if you’re going to order a live tree for the holidays, and you want to plant it in January, dig the hole now, especially if the ground tends to freeze in winter.

There are two locations where you can purchase live pinions and have them delivered. The first is Rolling River Nursery and the other is Nut Trees.com.

Enjoy your pinyon holiday experiences.

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