Saturday, March 23, 2013

Indiana Pine Needle Tea


Jake & I made pine needle tea while camping in Hoosier National Forest.


First, gather pine needles.  Avoid dry needles if possible; they lack flavor & nutrients.  Try to harvest ones that appear to be young and healthy.  Pick out & discard the driest ones.  
Wash the needles if necessary.




 Next, put the pine needles into the water to soak for a few minutes before turning on the heat source.  Boil the water and needles for at least 3 minutes.




Then, cover the and allow the needles to continue steeping for another 3-5 minutes.




Once ready, the pine needles will be softened from their original state.  A slight change in color might also be noticeable.  Allow the tea to cool to the desired temperature and drink.  


It's not a necessity to transfer the tea to a new mug or to remove the pine needles before drinking; it's merely a preference.  I do not usually remove mine.