Pine Needle Tea

Pine needle tea is a fun and easy winter beverage hat is is oh so wintery! Its a fantastic source of nutrients, particularly vitamin C, which was used to supplement people’s diets in the days before you could go to the store and buy a bag of oranges without a thought. Allegedly, Frenchman Jacques Cartier and his crew were cured of scurvy by an Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) tribe in 1543 and they wrote an account of it. All edible species of pine contain vitamin C– purportedly have three to five times more than an orange, depending on what source you read. Vitamin C is an immune booster (and a cure for scurvy!) Pine needles also contain vitamin A which improves red blood cell production. Pine needle tea can also soothe sore throats. Taoist priests were said to consume pine needle tea to help them live longer. Pine needles tea is a traditional drink on Korea as well, most often made from the red pine or the Korean pine. The needles are also sometimes fermented. In North America the most common pine species to use is the Eastern white pine. The eastern white pine has been a symbol of strength, protection, and longevity to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy for countless generations. The white pine is known as the Great Tree of Peace amongst the Haudenosaunee. To the ancient celts the pine symbolized immortality. They would light large bonfires of pine at the winter solstice. This was to celebrate the passing of the seasons and to bring back the sun.

Identifying Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus)

White pine needles are typically 3-5” long and come in bundles of five, whereas yellow pine needle bundles only have two and, in some cases, three needles.

Avoid pines that aren’t really pines. These include Yew pine (Podocarpus macrophylla) and Norfolk Island pine (Araucana heterophylla). And stay away from the highly toxic yew (genus Taxus).

Important– make sure you positively identify any plant you forage. Never consume any plant unless you are certain it has been properly identified and is safe.

Pine Needle Tea

Ingredients:

• eastern white pine needles (or another edible pine)
• water
• honey

Method:

Cut the pine needles up into smaller pieces and place them either directly in your cup or in a tea strainer.

Pour hot water over top and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. Add honey to taste and enjoy!

If you prefer a stronger flavor you can simmer the needles and water in a pot for 20 minutes and then strain into cups. You can also prepare this over a bonfire!