Pine Needle Tea
Pine needle tea is a warming wintertime tea, full of pleasant resinous flavors and mild citrus notes.
Servings: 1 cup of tea
Ingredients
- 2 to 4 Tbsp. Pine Needles Chopped
- 1 Cup Water
- Honey to Taste Optional
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a tea kettle or saucepan.
- While the water is heating, finely chop the pine needles to help them infuse better into the tea.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and add pine needles (or pour over prepared needles in a tea pot).
- Allow the pine needles to steep for 15-20 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy, adding honey, lemon, or milk if desired. (I prefer it plain, just as it is.)
Notes
Be sure to positively identify any wild-foraged species before consuming. There are toxic look likes, namely toxic yew species. Other conifer species such as spruce and hemlock also have edible needles and might make a fine substitute. Be sure on your identification, and check to make sure the conifer species is edible.