Pine Needle Tea prep

I enjoy a cup everyday, towards the end of the day for a true burst of energy and for its
rejuvenating qualities.

Check my post for prepartion, http://livingwind.tumblr.com/post/8052931039/pine-needle-tea-infusion-prep ...

I live in the Southeast, so it's a great way to make use of the myriad of pine species in this region.

Thanks!  I'm going to have to try that.

No worries. It's refreshing!

LivingWind wrote:
I enjoy a cup everyday, towards the end of the day for a true burst of energy and for its
rejuvenating qualities.

Check my post for prepartion, http://livingwind.tumblr.com/post/8052931039/pine-needle-tea-infusion-prep ...

I live in the Southeast, so it's a great way to make use of the myriad of pine species in this region.

Tried this while camping from memory. Made it three times... but with differing results.... I am sure the type of tree matters too. The first one was the best. The trees I had access to had much shorter leaves (needles?) so I didn't chop them up, but I would guess that might make a difference. The pot you are using looks a lot smaller than what I was using too, though I tried for 1 cup needles to about 32oz water. What is the correct ratio? Have you tried cold brewing? I wonder how juicing the needles would work, using a juicer meant for wheat grass for example.

I added no honey, but got an almost lemonade taste from it.

Len wrote:
Tried this while camping from memory. Made it three times... but with differing results.... I am sure the type of tree matters too. The first one was the best. The trees I had access to had much shorter leaves (needles?) so I didn't chop them up, but I would guess that might make a difference. The pot you are using looks a lot smaller than what I was using too, though I tried for 1 cup needles to about 32oz water. What is the correct ratio? Have you tried cold brewing? I wonder how juicing the needles would work, using a juicer meant for wheat grass for example.

I added no honey, but got an almost lemonade taste from it.

I usually grab more than a cup of the fresh needles. A heaping cup. Closing in on 2 cups. I chop 4 times across and they begin to secrete their oil. I wouldn't boil them for more than 2 minutes. You extract oils when you steep. Yes, you will taste lemon-lime, like any strong citrus.

LivingWind wrote:
I usually grab more than a cup of the fresh needles. A heaping cup. Closing in on 2 cups. I chop 4 times across and they begin to secrete their oil. I wouldn't boil them for more than 2 minutes. You extract oils when you steep. Yes, you will taste lemon-lime, like any strong citrus.

Ok, I will try that... have to walk a bit farther to collect now that I am home. How much water for that amount of needles?

Len wrote:
Ok, I will try that... have to walk a bit farther to collect now that I am home. How much water for that amount of needles?

I'd say about 1 litre per cup of needles...

Only boil for 2 minutes and steep 10-20 minutes. Enjoy hot. It's soothing as can be.