How to Make Pine Needle Tea!

Pine needle tea is a refreshing and healthy drink that can be enjoyed year-round. Pine needles contain high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants, and can help boost your immune system and improve digestion. However, it's important to note that some people may have an allergic reaction to pine needles, so it's best to start with a small amount and monitor any possible adverse reactions.

Supplies

You will need:

- Glass bottle with a cap

- Refrigerator for 3 days

- Knife or Scissors

Ingredients:

- Pine needles from a pine tree (spruce)

- Ginger Root or Lemon

- Brown Sugar

- Water

- Honey (optional)

Step 1: Collect Pine Needles

Find a pine tree and collect a handful of fresh, green pine needles. When selecting pine needles, it's important to choose fresh needles that are free of damage or disease. You can collect needles from a variety of pine trees, such as white pine, red pine, or jack pine. If you're not sure which tree you're collecting from, look for needles that are in groups of two, three, or five, as these are common needle arrangements for pine trees.

Step 2: Rinse the Needles

To ensure that your pine needle tea is clean and safe to drink, it's important to rinse the needles thoroughly with cool water. You can do this by placing them in a colander and running water over them for a few minutes.

Step 3: Cut the Needles

Cut the needles into small pieces, about 1-2 inches in length. Cutting the needles into small pieces will help release the flavor and nutrients of the needles. You can use a sharp knife or a pair of scissors to cut the needles into small pieces.

Step 4: Boil Water

Fill a pot with about 2 cups of water, you'll need to boil water on the stove. It's best to use filtered or purified water if possible, as this will help ensure that your tea is free of impurities or contaminants.

Step 5: Add the Pine Needles

Once the water has come to a boil, add the cut pine needles to the pot. You can use about a handful of needles for every 2 cups of water, but you can adjust this based on your personal preference.

Step 6: Reduce Heat

Once you've added the pine needles, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the needles steep for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You should see the water start to turn a light brown color.

Step 7: Strain the Needles

When the steeping process is complete, use a strainer to remove the pine needles from the water. You can discard the needles or use them for other purposes, such as in a bath or as a natural air freshener.

Step 8: Add Sweetener (optional)

If you prefer your tea sweet, you can add honey, sugar, or your preferred sweetener to taste. Pine needle tea has a naturally sweet and slightly tangy flavor, so you may find that you don't need to add any additional sweeteners.

Step 9: Add a Flavor (optional)

To enhance the taste of your pine needle tea, you can add other flavors such as lemon or ginger. You can also experiment with different types of pine needles to see if you prefer the taste of one variety over another.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Once you've prepared your pine needle tea, pour it into a mug and enjoy! Pine needle tea is a healthy and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold. It's also a great way to get the benefits of pine needles, which are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. Just be sure to start with a small amount and monitor for any adverse reactions, as some people may be allergic to pine needles.