Arm yourself against Canada’s harsh winters with this easy-to-make tea.
Tree needles are a source of vitamin C, which helps ward off scurvy. All you need is a coniferous tree in your backyard.
Materials
Pine needles from the tree (white pine, spruce, balsam fir are suggested)
Boiling water
Utility knife
Pot
Fire-starting material
Strainer
Procedure
1. Slice pine needle clusters from pine tree. Be sure to select from along the branch, and not the tips.
2. Light a fire for boiling water.
3. Set the pot of water above the flames.
4. As the water heats up, cut needles into 2-centimetre pieces.
5. Toss pine needle fragments into water once bubbling.
6. Take off heat after 2-5 minutes, depending on personal taste.
7. Pour tea through a strainer into serving dishes. Serve hot.
Recipe provided by Brittany Boychuk, co-founder of Nature Connections.