Douglas Fir Tea – Herbal tea from local fir needles

Welcome outdoor enthusiasts and tea lovers alike! Today, I'm excited to share with you a simple, soothing recipe directly from the trails—Oklahomo Hiker's Forest-Fresh Pine Tea. This delightful beverage is perfect for warming up during a chilly hike or simply relaxing at home, embracing the essence of the forest in every sip. Whether you're an experienced hiker or someone who enjoys the comfort of nature's flavors, this pine tea will surely become a comforting addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients:

- A handful of fresh pine needles (avoid the tips where they connect to the branch)

- 1 squeeze of fresh lemon juice

- 1-2 teaspoons of honey (adjust to taste)

- 4 cups of water

Equipment:

- Camp stove or stove

- Pot for boiling water

- Knife for cutting pine needles

- Cutting board

- Strainer or cheesecloth (optional, for clearer tea)

- Mug

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Instructions:

1. Begin by properly identifying and harvesting fresh pine needles from a safe and non-toxic variety of pine. Rinse the needles thoroughly to wash off any dirt or debris.

2. Gently chop the pine needles into small pieces, discarding any dead tips and avoid including the very ends where the needles branch off as it may add bitterness to the tea.

3. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil using your camp stove or a pot on your kitchen stove.

4. Once the water is boiling, reduce to a simmer and add the chopped pine needles. Allow them to boil gently for about 15 minutes. This step is essential as it helps release the oils and flavor from the pine needles into the water.

5. While the pine needles are simmering, take this opportunity to enjoy the nature around you or prep any additional ingredients you wish to add to your tea.

6. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to the pine-infused water for a zesty twist.

7. Strain the pine needles from the water using a strainer or cheesecloth for a cleaner tea.

8. Stir in honey to the warm pine tea until it dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness as per your preference.

9. Serve the soothing pine tea in mugs. If desired, add additional flavors such as a slice of ginger or a splash of bourbon for an evening twist.

10. Savor your homemade Forest-Fresh Pine Tea and bask in the flavors and memories of the great outdoors.

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure to identify the type of pine tree and confirm it’s safe for consumption, as some pines can be toxic.

- Adjust the amount of honey and lemon based on personal taste preferences; some might enjoy a more robust pine flavor, while others prefer a sweeter or tangier note.

- Always use a sieve to strain the pine needles if you prefer a smooth, clear tea.

Enjoy this rustic yet refreshing pine tea recipe courtesy of Oklahomo Hiker. Watch the full process and explore more adventure-inspired recipes on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@OklahomoHiker.

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Douglas Fir Tea – Herbal tea from local fir needles