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by LynfromNM on October 11th, 2007
Wow, I had no idea pinons (aka pine nuts) were scarce. The pinon is the state tree of NM, and we never have a shortage here! Is it legal to bring them into California when I jet in later this month? If so, I'll pick some, roast them and bring them to the AB gathering. "Free" is a decent price.
by unknown on October 11th, 2007
I found this very interesting article on pine nuts that I think has your answer.
"Supply dependent market. World pine nut production is so small that demand for pine nuts is significantly greater than the available supply. Even in a good crop year the total world production may only be around 20,000 tons of kernel (International Nut Council). As both regional and world production fluctuates widely from year to year (good harvest from natural stands occurring at most every other year), the world market is often completely out of stock for months before the new harvest. This has two major implications: high prices and price inelasticity.
Price. Pine nuts are one of the most expensive nuts on the market, with retail prices of shelled nuts ranging from about $20 to $35 per kg and up. Retail prices for pine nut oil range between $70 and $140 per liter, and are substantially higher for pine nut oil marketed in capsules as a medicine / dietary supplement." http://www.pinenut.com/noha.htm
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on October 12th, 2007
Because of the time-consuming process of removing all the shells. One always finds them shelled whereas other nuts can be purchased shell on (except for Macadamias, the shells of which are too hard for most people to remove).
by Scifisuz on October 26th, 2007
Demand is low. We don't use them for much - pesto sauce, a couple of other less-than-mainstream dishes. Since no volume and distribution is the same as something with high demand....profit margin must be higher to justify costs.
by Jewel on October 13th, 2007
Because they are so darned hard to harvest! They are not particularly plentiful and difficult to remove from the cones. This makes them a relatively rare commodity and increases their value.
They sure are good though! Maybe I should go look for some tomorrow.
by Psycho the kid on October 12th, 2007
They're not expensive here in NM...we grow them by the...nut-load. heh...
Anyway, I never knew they were expensive or hard to find outside of my state. I guess I took them for granted. I'm gonna go get some right now!
by Anna on October 12th, 2007
I have no idea. I just know that squirrels love them.
by Tussen on October 11th, 2007
Cause squirrels are territorial.
by Koz - Passion Perseverance Patience on October 11th, 2007
I would think because they are difficult to harvest.
by mmmyeeah on September 7th, 2008
because they are delicious! they are not hard to find, really, just expensive. every grocery store in every state that i have lived in has had them near the other nuts for sale.
by CodyTheCouragous on September 7th, 2008
Not sure! I was googling for the same answer since I just paid $6 for a 4 ounce package (about the size of one handful)
by An Educated Optimist on October 13th, 2007
Because they're delicious and we'll pay it. I figure that's also why figs and hazelnuts are so expensive, at least around here. Because I want them badly enough to pay for them.
by Mike has a Day job. on October 12th, 2007
Because squirrells are much quicker than humans to harvest them!
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Comments
I have no idea if it's legal, but you could probably pay for your flight if you bring enough and sell them outside the airport for half of what the grocery stores charge, LOL
by Jodie44 on October 11th, 2007
Not a bad idea! I know it's illegal to bring certain fruits. maybe the airline will know. Is this a favorite of yours?
by LynfromNM on October 11th, 2007
Yes!! But they're more expensive than even Macadamia nuts!
by Jodie44 on October 11th, 2007
Yea...that's pretty weird huh! I can drive 30 minutes and buy pinons right from the orchard! Lyn, have you had the green/red chili ones from eagle ranch? So good...I can't stop eating them!
by Psycho the kid on October 12th, 2007
I did just recently try those Psycho. HIGHLY addictive!
by LynfromNM on October 12th, 2007
heh...do you get down to southern new mexico pretty often? All my friends in ABQ always come to eagle ranch when they're down here...where do you usually get your pinons?
by Psycho the kid on October 14th, 2007
When I'm lazy I just drive up to Mountainair and get them from the little highway stores where they sell cider, pinons, pumpkins and white corn. I also have a good friend with 2 daughters at State and they bring them to me! They also have them at booths at the Flea Market on the fairgrounds every Sunday. Before the Sandias got so populated I used to be able to go there and pick my own. I haven't been to Southern NM recently. I'm thinking it's been about 5 years. What do pinons cost in Cruces/Eagle Ranch?
by LynfromNM on October 14th, 2007
It's just like 4 or 5 bucks for a bag...I don't really know how much they weigh though. I just know they're GREAT! I get over to Alamogordo every so often and I have family that lives a little past Eagle so I stop by sometimes. It gets crazy during holidays because everybody we know that used to live here but has moved always wants us to send pinons and chile! So you know people at State? That's cool...would be weird if I knew 'em too! I know you can't tell me who they are on here...maybe we'll talk about it at the party.
by Psycho the kid on October 15th, 2007
Absolutely. If I can I'll bring pics of them.
by LynfromNM on October 15th, 2007
Psycho, Dick and Max - it was so great to meet you! I highly recommend these 3 young men for anyone's party!
by LynfromNM on October 28th, 2007
It was VERY nice to meet you as well! I'm so glad we can say we know you now!
by Psycho the kid on October 29th, 2007