Pine nuts are considered very useful, because they contain a large amount of vitamins and mineral components. So that during the winter the beneficial properties do not disappear, you need to properly store the fruits.
How to prepare pine cones with nuts for storage
Pine nuts are seeds of cedar pine. They are located in cones and covered with a dense shell.
When buying pine cones, you need to pay attention to such factors:
- color - should be a saturated brown shade, no spots;
- size - ripened fruits are 5-7 cm long.
When to prepare
It is necessary to prepare fruits for storage for the winter immediately after harvesting. In September, you need to carefully pick them from the tree and place them in boxes. For storage, instances that have fallen to the ground are not suitable. In the process of impact, the seeds spill out.
If you collect or buy green cones, then their ripening can be done at home. To do this, place them in a warm and dry room, covering with a small amount of straw or hay. Preparation consists in drying the collected material. To do this, the fruit is wrapped in paper and placed in a dry place. Can be placed in a boiler room (if you live in a private house) or under a battery.
Storage conditions
Preserve the fruits of the house is necessary under such conditions:
- Temperature. In the room it is necessary to maintain a constant temperature regime in the range from +15 to + 20 ° С. If the products are stored or dried in the open sun, the shelf life is reduced.
- The optimum humidity level is 70%. Exceeding the allowable rate contributes to the development of mold.
- Protection from direct sunlight.
- Good ventilation. This helps prevent the development of fungal infections.
Important! Pine nuts begin to deteriorate under the influence of high humidity, heat and sunlight. The first signs of unsuitability for use are a pungent smell and the appearance of dark spots.
How long are stored
Pine fruits can be stored for no more than six months. After 3 months, the nutritious nutrients begin to be lost, and by 7 months they become unusable. If you decide to freeze them in a freezer or refrigerate, then the shelf life is reduced to 2 months. Under the influence of low temperatures, beneficial properties are lost faster.
How and how much to store boiled cones
Many are interested in how much and how to store pine fruits. To facilitate the extraction of nuts, pine cones can be boiled for about half an hour over medium heat. After they are laid out on a paper or cloth towel and allowed to drain water. Keep boiled product in vacuum bags or in plastic containers.
In each of them you need to put no more than 3 pieces, so as not to disrupt the structure of Siberian cones. Vacuum bags or food containers must be placed in the freezer. Shelf life is 1.5–2 months.
So, now you know when you need to collect pine cones with nuts and how to store them correctly. If everything is done according to the rules, then you can enjoy delicious and healthy fruits throughout the winter.
