Learn all about pine need tea and how to properly make a cup! Pine needle tea contains many possible health benefits as well as it has a pleasant aroma and enticing taste! Learn how you can enjoy this delightful tea from the forest.
Pine needle tea is a fairly new tea to me. Since the discovery, I’ve enjoyed many cups and learned a few new fun facts along the way. It is incredibly easy to make and tastes simply divine.
I enjoy the process of making this tea. For me, it starts with a walk through nature to forage my own pine needles and then I begin the preparation in my kitchen. The crisp fragrance of pine as I prepare is a pleasant experience. I prefer to use raw pine needles in my tea as the flavor and aroma are at their peak and the freshest.
What is Pine Needle Tea?
Pine Needle tea is an herbal tea made from steeping fresh, frozen, or dried pine needles in boiling water to make a delightful piney tea!
Preparation
When making tea with pine needles the same process is followed as for herbal teas. You can use fresh, frozen, or dried pine needles.
- Heat Water to boiling. (212°F)
- Add Pine needles.
- Steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain out tea solids.
- Enjoy!
Taste
Pine needle tea tastes like a forest in a cup! It tastes piney, with hints of citrus and mint. Its aroma is pleasant, and tempting for it smells distinctively like a pine tree and its taste is not much different.
Why You May Want to Drink Pine Needle Tea
Health Benefits
While there is still much to learn and more research is needed about the health benefits of pine needle tea, we do have some ideas on possible nutrients than can be gleaned from them.
Pine needle tea may contain high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
Foraging and Harvesting Pine Needles
I have to admit that gathering my own ingredients for tea is very enjoyable as well as therapeutic. A walk in nature is always enjoyable! You can defiantly forage and harvest your own pine needles for tea. According to my local naturalist, the Eastern white pine is edible and what I chose to harvest. Many pines are toxic to humans so you need to be sure you are correctly identifying your pine tree.
Cautions and Dangers to Avoid
When foraging for your own pine needles be sure that you correctly identify the tree from which you wish to harvest. There are many pine trees that are toxic and even poisonous to humans. Some of the most common offenders include the Lodgepole pine (also called the Shore pine) Ponderosa pine, Monterey cypress, common juniper, common yew, Norfolk Island pine, and the Australian pine.
How to Make Pine Needle Tea
Kitchen Tools
- Kettle or Small Saucepan
- Tea Strainer
Ingredients
- Water
- Pine Needles (tea bag or loose leaf)
Instructions
- If using fresh pine needles, use a kitchen scissors or knife to chop them in thirds.
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add pine needles to water.
- Cover and Steep for 5 minutes. (Up to 10 minutes for stronger tea)
- Strain out pine needles.
- If desired, sweeten tea with honey, sugar, or pine syrup.
- Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Pine Needle Tea Dangers
The most real danger in pine needle tea miss identifying the tree when foraging for your own tea. Some Pine Trees are toxic and even poisonous to humans. If you would like to gather your own pine needles it would be wise to seek a professional to help identify.
Additionally, this tea should not be consumed by pregnant or nursing mothers.
Always consult your doctor before trying any pine needle tea.
Where to Buy Pine Needle Tea
Tea is easily purchased online from tea shops and even amazon.
What Kind of Pine Needles are Safe for Tea?
According to my local naturalist in their evergreens program, there are a few species that edible. The one I personally use is the Eastern White Pine which is said to be one of the more flavorful of the options. Our local agent also cautions that there are several pines that are poisonous to humans. Be sure to get a professional to help you identify which pine needles are safe for harvesting.
How to Dry Pine Needles for Tea?
Pine needles can be dried in a dehydrator.
Is Pine Needle Tea Safe to Drink?
It is recommended to not drink if you are pregnant or nursing. Always consult your doctor before trying.
More Herbal Teas You May Enjoy!
- Rosehip Tea
- Lavender Tea
- Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
- Turmeric Tea
- Lemon Tea
- Blue Matcha Latte
- Mint Tea
- Oregano Tea
I hope you enjoy this tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect!
Pine Neede Tea
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Pine Needles cut in thirds unpacked, or 1 Teaspoon of Dried Tea, or 1 Tea Bag
- 1 Cup Fresh Filtered Water
Instructions
- If using fresh pine needles, use kitchen scissors or knife to chop them in thirds.
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add pine needles to water.
- Cover and steep for 5 minutes. (Up to 10 minutes for stronger tea)
- Strain out pine needles.
- If desired, sweeten the tea with honey or sugar.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only.
I’ve never heard of pine needle tea before! This is something I’d love to try! I spend a lot of time in nature. I’ve always wanted to learn more about foraging, and become more knowledgeable about the edible plants in my area. Thank you for a great article!
You’re welcome, Valerie! I hope you enjoy making your own cup!
I would have never thought to even try this! Pinned for when I have some ready to try.
I hope you enjoy it!
I love your site
I have a huge pine tree with honey cones.
And I need advice to know that this is a good tree. I’m sure it is.
I want to make syrup, and teas
Hi Edith, I suggest finding a reputable field guide to make sure your tree is edible. You can also reach out to your local conservation office to help with identification. I have found them to always be very helpful! I do hope you are able to make pine needle tea and enjoy it!
Hello Courtney what fo you know about the Japanese black pine tree for tea? Is this safe? What needles do you pick…longer at the base of the branch or the newer needles? Thank you