Quick Answer
Pine trees commonly used for making vitamin C tea include White Pine, Scots Pine, and Jack Pine, which are rich in alpha and beta-pinene and have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties.
Choosing the Right Pine Trees
When selecting pine trees for vitamin C tea, look for species with long, thin needles, as these are often richer in vitamin C. White Pine (Pinus strobus) is a popular choice due to its high concentration of alpha and beta-pinene, as well as its abundance in North America. To harvest needles, clip the top inch of the branch, leaving a small portion intact to promote regrowth.
Harvesting and Drying Pine Needles
Harvest pine needles in the spring or early summer when they are at their highest concentration of vitamin C. Remove any debris or damaged needles, then spread the needles out in a single layer on a paper bag or mesh screen to dry. Allow the needles to air-dry for 7-10 days, or until they are completely dry and brittle. Store the dried needles in an airtight container to preserve their potency.
Brewing Pine Needle Tea
To brew pine needle tea, combine 1 teaspoon of dried needles with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-7 minutes, then strain and enjoy. You can also add honey or lemon to taste. As a general guideline, a 1:1 ratio of pine needles to water is a good starting point, but you may need to adjust the ratio based on your personal preference and the strength of the needles.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.