Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are a delicious ingredient used in everything from pesto to salads but buyers should be aware that they might not always be getting what they pay for.
Most cooks think they are buying pine nuts from the Pinus pinea, a European version of the tree. But because these authentic pine nuts are so expensive, some food companies have turned to a cheaper version of pine nuts that are grown in China, the Pinus armandii. The problem with the cheaper pine nuts is that they can cause “pine nut mouth,” an allergic reaction the causes everything you eat to have a metallic taste.
If you are concerned, check the country of origin on the label before buying pine nuts.
