However you choose to spell it, it’s good for you!
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 through October 15. Friends of the Inyo is celebrating with our community by sharing the meanings of just a few Spanish-language words in the nature and conservation arena that have made their way into English. Today’s word is piñón, which, in its Anglicized form is spelled “pinyon.”
In Spanish, piñón can mean any of various small pines with edible seeds found in western North America, as well as the edible seed of such a pine, according to Merriam-Webster.
We all know that pinyon nut gathering, which usually happens at around this time of year, is important to local Native American tribes, for whom piñones (the plural form of piñón), that is, pine nuts or pinyon nuts, is an important food source, rich in protein, carbohydrates and especially fat.
In Spanish, the word piñón is related to the word piña, which means both pinecone and pineapple! ♪♪ If you like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain…♪♪
Stay tuned for more fun blog posts during Hispanic Heritage Month.
(Photo by Leila Issa – Unsplash)