A Pine-Scented Christmas: Harnessing the Versatility of Pine Needles

Tired of the same old holiday decorations and flavors?

Look no further than your backyard! Pine trees offer a variety of possibilities for creating a unique and festive Christmas experience. Pine needles are a versatile and eco-friendly way to add a natural touch to your Christmas holiday. From fragrant decorations to flavorful culinary additions, pine needles can elevate your holiday experience in countless ways. As with any plant, be sure to do your own research to ensure that the plants you are using are safe for consumption. While there are some pines that are considered toxic such as Lodgepole, Norfolk, Ponderosa, Yellow, and Yew many are safe to consume. There are many informational videos and articles on the internet that will help ensure that you are foraging safely.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the versatility of pine needles and provide you with creative ideas for incorporating them into your holiday traditions. Whether you’re looking for a natural way to decorate your home or want to add a unique twist to your holiday meals, pine needles are the perfect resource.

Here are some ideas for using pine needles during the holiday season:

• Create a natural pine needle wreath: Weave pine needles together with ribbon or twine to create a beautiful and fragrant wreath for your front door.
• Make pine needle-infused syrup: Use pine needles to infuse syrup for pancakes, waffles, or cocktails.
• Make pine needle infused rubs or salt: This is an excellent way to enhance the flavor profile of your menu.
• Create a pine needle-scented sachet: Fill a small fabric pouch with pine needles for a delightful aroma. Add wood shavings, dried fruits, and essential oils for added aroma.
• Use pine needles in your holiday potpourri: Add pine needles to your winter potpourri for a fresh, woodsy scent. Simmer slowly in a small crock or diffuse on a woodstove.
• Decorate your home with pine needle-infused candles: Create your own scented candles using pine needles and beeswax.

Until I studied herbalism, I was surprised to find out how many of the plants growing in my own backyard were edible. Pine needles are no exception. Much like sap is tapped from trees, pine needles can be turned into amazing things! If you aren’t sure about trying this, I recommend tasting a pine needle or two before experimenting just in case you aren’t a fan. Below are some ideas and suggestions:

Culinary Uses for Pine Needles:

• Infused Oils and Vinegars: Infuse olive oil or vinegar with pine needles for a unique flavor.
• Syrups: Create pine needle-infused syrup for cocktails, desserts, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or muffins.
• Tea: Brew a soothing and fragrant tea, which also supports respiratory functions.
• Flavoring: Add pine needles to marinades, sauces, and rubs for a subtle flavor.

Culinary Recipes for Pine Needles:

Pine Needle-Infused Salt

Ingredients:

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup pine needles finely chopped

Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt and pine needles. Pulsing in a food processor works well too. You can add other herbs if desired. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and let sit for 1-2 days, allowing the pine needles to infuse their flavor into the salt. Sift the salt through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pine needles if desired. Store the infused salt in a sealed container.

Uses:

• Season meats, poultry, or fish before grilling or roasting.
•  Add to marinades or sauces for a subtle flavor.
• Sprinkle over roasted vegetables, popcorn, or homemade potato wedges.

Classic Pine Needle Rub:

• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup brown or white sugar
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon pine needles finely chopped        

Citrus and Pine Rub:

• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup brown or white sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper with juniper berries
• 1 tablespoon dried orange zest
• 1 tablespoon dried lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon pine needles finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper flakes if desired

Spicy Pine Needle Rub:

• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup brown or white sugar
• 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon pine needles finely chopped

To use these rubs: Generously rub the chosen rub onto your meat. Beef, pork, chicken, venison, and lamb are options. Let the meat sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate. Cook the meat according to your desired method.

I used the Classic rub (pictured above) on a pot roast. I coated the roast with Dijon mustard, rolled it in the rub, and then baked it in a red wine gravy with potatoes and vegetables. It was very good.

Note: Make sure you source the pine needles from trees that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Make sure the pine needles you are consuming are safe! Adjust measurements according to your taste.