While perusing a list of top food trends for 2012, I was reminded of something I have wanted to try for a while now -- pine needle "tea." Ever since I tried Clear Creek Distillery's Douglas Fir Eau de Vie (a fantastically complex and unique beverage with a lingering aftertaste) a few years ago, I have been pining for pine needle tea. (Haha! Ahem... Sorry.)
So, I'm curious... Who out there has tried pine needle "tea," and what did you think of it? If you haven't tried it, do you think you would? And would you trust pine needles from your own yard or local park, or would you forage pine needles from somewhere more remote / pristine? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on pine needle "tea!"
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So, I'm curious... Who out there has tried pine needle "tea," and what did you think of it? If you haven't tried it, do you think you would? And would you trust pine needles from your own yard or local park, or would you forage pine needles from somewhere more remote / pristine? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on pine needle "tea!"
Do you tweet? Follow About Coffee/Tea on Twitter.
Are you on Facebook? "Like" About Coffee/Tea.
Interested in learning more about tea? Sign up for the free, easy Tea 101 e-course.
Comments
I just tried it for the first time yesterday with white pine needles and was quite pleased. The taste wasn’t overpowering or strong like gin, as I had imagined it might be. The buckwheat honey that I sweetened it with was more dominate than the pine flavor.
I gathered my needles on an uninhabited island on our lake, but I doubt that one need be that cautious with your source. I would avoid fertilized areas or immediate roadsides though.
I also found that kitchen shears work best for trimming the needles.
Thanks for the tips, Percy! Very informative.