The Eastern white pine tree is one of those trees that has always grabbed my attention. The broad reach of its branches, the medicinal sticky resin and the feather like needles make it my all time favorite tree. They are all over the northeast making it easy to find one almost anywhere. I was so excited when I learned that their needles are incredibly medicinal and packed with vitamin C. While there are many varieties of Pine trees, this post is about making tea with the needles of the eastern white pine since I am on the east coast and that is the variety we have.
White Pine needle tea is bright, wintery and astringent. It is loaded in vitamin C and the tea has a lightness to it. White pine needle tea is a cozy winter wonderland of delicious medicine. It is an excellent tea for colder months when other forms of greenery are scarce and lacking in our diets.
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Uses for Eastern White Pine
Eastern White Pine was very important to the Lenape, the indigenous people of this region. In addition to making tea with the needles, the bark and the sap were also used. Pine can help disinfect wounds and may prevent wintertime colds and flu.
The sap can be made into a healing salve and can also be used in waterproof glues, sealing waxes and used on the bow of string instruments to help grip the strings.
Since pine wood burns bright and fast it is a good source of tinder for getting a fire going on the hearth.
And one of my favorite uses for pine is using it to mulch blueberry bushes! In fact, I have a very popular post all about just how to do that. Check out Why Pine Needles are the Best Mulch for Blueberries.
How to Identify Eastern White Pine
Disclamier: This information is for educational purposes only. Never forage or consume any plant that your are not 100% certain is edible.
The Eastern White Pine has five needles per fascicle or bundle. The cones are 4″ to 8″ long and are partially covered in dried white sap resembling snow.
Helpful Tools for Making White Pine Needle Tea
While you may already have everything you need right in your kitchen. I wanted to share some of tools seen in this post.
Le Creuset French Press I love this beautiful french press. My husband gifted it to me about 10 years ago when be bought our house and its still in the best condition!
Herb chopper The herb chopper seen in this post is from a thrift store but if i had to buy one today I would choose this one.
Teapot Warmer We live in an old house so the teapot warmer is constantly being used in the wintertime.
Make it a gift
One of the best holiday gifts would be a copy of the recipe below with a beautiful french press, teapot warmer and an herb chopper!
How to Make White Pine Needle Tea
3-5 Tablespoons fresh White Pine Needles, chopped
2-3 Cups water
French Press or mason jar
Honey for sweetening (optional)
Chop the fresh white pine needles and add to your french press or mason jar. It is important that the needles are very fresh in order to preserve the vitamin C. Boil water and pour over needles. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. My french press is ceramic so while the pine needles are steeping, I keep mine on a teapot warmer. Then press or strain the needles, sweeten with honey if you desire and enjoy!
White Pine Needle Tea
Equipment
- 1 French Press or 1 quart mason jar
- 1 teapot warmer optional
Ingredients
- 3-5 tbsp fresh white pine needles chopped
- 2-3 cups water
- honey for sweetening optional
Instructions
- Chop the fresh white pine needles and add to your french press or mason jar.
- Boil water and pour over needles.
- Cover and steep for 20 minutes.
- Then press or strain the needles, sweeten with honey if you desire and enjoy!
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