Natural. www.newcenturysnacks.com. Pine Nuts (Pignolias): In the United States, we often think of the pinon nut of New Mexico when we say pine nuts. This is a small round nut of the pinon pine that is sold almost exclusively in the shell. Of worldwide significance is the pignolia, grown in Europe and Siberia. Pine nuts cannot be grown under modern commercial conditions. The small scrubby trees grow on mountainsides at elevations of 5000-7000 feet. All operations are done by hand. The trees grow slowly and do not bear until 25 years old. At age 75 there is enough production for commercial harvesting.