Pine Needle Tea

By / Photography By | March 21, 2018
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When you collect needles for the tea, pick the young, light green ones at the tips of the branches.

Hunters, settlers and indigenous people around the world have made tea from pine needles for centuries and—according to myth—it even has healing powers. One cup of pine needle tea contains up to five times the amount of vitamin C in a lemon, which makes it a potent antioxidant and an immune system booster. It is also reputed to have decongestant properties. White pine is a great choice. Avoid Ponderosa, Lodgepole and Monterey pine tree needles, which are highly toxic. You can recognize white pine by its longer, softer needles. If you're not an experienced forager, consult an expert for proper pine tree identification. 

(Warning: This tea is not recommended for pregnant women or young children.)