Yichun Pine Nuts

Yichun Pine Nuts

　　Yichun Pine Nuts

　　Pine nuts are the fruit of the Korean pine tree, also known as sea pine nuts. They contain fat, protein, carbohydrates, and more. Pine nuts are not only an important traditional Chinese medicine—long-term consumption benefits both body and mind, moisturizes the skin, and promotes longevity.

　　During the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen spoke highly of the medicinal value of pine nuts. In his *Compendium of Materia Medica*, he wrote: “Sea pine nuts, also called new Korean pine nuts, have a sweet and mild taste and are non-toxic. They are primarily used to treat joint wind, dizziness, remove dead flesh, whiten the skin, disperse water qi, nourish the five internal organs, dispel wind and cold, supplement deficiencies in those who are weak and short of breath, enrich the five organs, dispel various types of wind, and dry dampness in the intestines and stomach. Long-term consumption makes the body light and extends life without aging.” They can be eaten as is, used as an ingredient in candies and pastries, or even as a substitute for vegetable oil. Pine nut oil, besides being edible, is also an important raw material in the varnish and leather industries. The skins of pine nuts can be used to make dyes, activated carbon, and more. In short, pine nuts are a highly valuable economic resource in forested regions.

　　China is one of the main countries exporting pine nut kernels, and Yichun is a primary production area for Korean pine nuts.