The price of pine nuts! (substitute, freezer, expensive, buy)

[missik999]

I use pine nuts in several of my favorite recipes. They have really gone up in price! The cheapest I have been able to find are $19.99 per pound!

[SATX56]

Yep, I think most nuts have skyrocketed in price.

[Dogmama50]

Our Costco had them for $23.99 for 1.5lbs, the same package was $17.99 before the holidays.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by missik999

I use pine nuts in several of my favorite recipes. They have really gone up in price! The cheapest I have been able to find are $19.99 per pound!

If you have a Sam's and belong they are cheaper there. I buy a huge bag, it lasts over a year in the freezer.Remember they don't weigh much, but you are right, they are redicoulously expensive.

[D. Scott]

Nuts have been increasing in price I have noticed as well. 20 bucks per pound? Wow.

[beth98]

Not only are they expensive but some of the cheaper ones have a horrible bitter taste that can linger for days! Nothing worse than paying $20/lb for something inedible. I've been subbing walnuts when possible.

[tpk-nyc]

Try looking in Asian (particularly Vietnamese) markets if you have one near you. They're often much less expensive.

[OpenD]

Avoid pine nuts from China. They have a bitter taste.

Why are they so expensive? Partly the labor that goes into harvesting them, partly lower harvest due to drought.

[Capt. Cave Man]

Does a one yr, or two, drought really effect trees that much? I wish I knew....we have no trees out here.

I've wanted to get them for a pesto and they are nuts on their price.(pun intended) So I went with a more popular nuts that aren't as high in demand.

I haven't seen a big price jump in sunflower seeds, almonds, or pecans. I know sf seeds are different....but it's what I'd use to replace.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by beth98

Not only are they expensive but some of the cheaper ones have a horrible bitter taste that can linger for days! Nothing worse than paying $20/lb for something inedible. I've been subbing walnuts when possible.

though I think pine nuts have a very special taste and I do not like to substitute I don't blame you. I have not noticed any bitter taste, maybe it has to do with where they are grown, I don't really know. I still say, the only good thing is they do go a long way...Now, as for using them in pesto, that is one time I would substitute..I use other nuts anyway in my pesto..