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Pine needle tea
View on Wikipedia| Pine needle tea | |
|---|---|
| Type | Herbal tea |
| Other names |
|
| Origin | East Asia |
| Quick description | Tea made from pine needles |
| Temperature | 85–100 °C (185–212 °F) |
| Time | 3‒20 minutes |
| P. densiflora needle tea P. tabuliformis needle tea | |
| Hangul | 솔잎차 |
| Hanja | 솔잎茶 |
| RR | sollipcha |
| MR | sollipch'a |
| IPA | [sol.lip̚.tɕʰa] |
| P. koraiensis needle tea | |
| Hangul | 잣잎차; 백엽다 |
| Hanja | 잣잎茶; 柏葉茶 |
| RR | jannipcha; baegyeopda |
| MR | channipch'a; paegyŏpta |
| IPA | [tɕan.nip̚.tɕʰa]; [pɛ.ɡjʌp̚.t͈a] |
Pine needle tea or pine leaf tea is a herbal tea made from pine needles, or the leaves of pine trees (trees of the genus Pinus). In Korea, the tea made from the leaves of Korean red pine (P. densiflora) or Manchurian red pine (P. tabuliformis) is known as solip-cha (솔잎차),[1][2][3] while the tea made from the leaves of Korean pine (P. koraiensis) is known as jannip-cha (잣잎차) or baek yeop-Cha (백엽 차).[4][5] In North America, pine needle tea may be made from the leaves of Eastern white pine (P. strobus) and Loblolly, Virginia Pine, Long Leaf Pine.
Preparation
[edit]Solip-cha
[edit]Solip-cha is a herbal tea made mostly from the leaves and needles of Korean red pine or Manchurian red pine.[6] Pine needles are usually harvested around December; preferably before midday; from 10 to 20 year-old trees located mid-mountain and facing southeast, that have grown in sunny places.[6] Two types of sollip-cha can be made:
The first method uses fresh or dried pine needles.[6] The harvested leaves are soaked in water for a day and then cleaned, rinsed, trimmed of the sharp tips, and halved or cut into three pieces.[6] They can be used right away or dried in a shaded area before being used. For 60 millilitres (2.1 imp fl oz; 2.0 US fl oz) of water, 10–15 grams (0.35–0.53 oz) of dried pine needles or 20–30 grams (0.71–1.06 oz) of fresh pine needles are infused over low heat.[6] As the tea has the properties of an astringent, honey or sugar is added to improve taste.[6]
The second method consists of using fermented pine needles.[6] The harvested leaves are trimmed of their sharp tips and washed, then placed in a sugar solution made with 600 millilitres (21 imp fl oz; 20 US fl oz) water and 100 grams (3.5 oz) of sugar, which is then fermented in a sunny place for a week (in summer) or more (in other seasons).[6] Well-fermented sollip-cha is filtered with cloth and consumed as cold tea.[6]
Jannip-cha
[edit]The leaves that grow eastward are harvested for making the tea.[5] 50 grams (1.8 oz) of fresh pine needles are washed, drained, and boiled in 300 millilitres (11 imp fl oz; 10 US fl oz) water.[7] When it comes to a boil, it is brewed on a low heat, and drunk without the leaves.[7]
See also
[edit]- Aneda - used by the St. Lawrence Iroquoians to cure scurvy, sometimes described as "pine needle tea", though more commonly thought to have been Thuja occidentalis
References
[edit]- ^ "sollip-cha" 솔잎차. Standard Korean Language Dictionary (in Korean). National Institute of Korean Language. Archived from the original on 25 February 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
- ^ "Areumdaun Cha Bangmulgwan" 아름다운차박물관 [Beautiful Tea Museum]. Korea Tourism Organization. 9 March 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
- ^ "Treating disc injuries with traditional Korean medicine". Korea Tourism Organization. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2017.
- ^ "baegyeop-cha" 백엽차. Standard Korean Language Dictionary (in Korean). National Institute of Korean Language. Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ a b "baegyeop-da" 백엽다. Standard Korean Language Dictionary (in Korean). National Institute of Korean Language. Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i 정, 동효; 윤, 백현; 이, 영희, eds. (2012). "sollip-cha" 솔잎차. Cha Saenghwal Munhwa Daejeon 차생활문화대전 (in Korean). Seoul: Hong Ik Jae. ISBN 9788971433515. Retrieved 9 June 2017 – via Naver.
- ^ a b "baegyeop-cha" 백엽차. Doopedia (in Korean). Doosan Corporation. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
Pine needle tea
View on GrokipediaIntroduction
Definition and composition
Pine needle tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion prepared by steeping fresh, frozen, or dried needles from various species of the genus Pinus in hot water.[7] This beverage has been utilized in traditional practices, such as Estonian folk medicine, where pine needles serve as the base for herbal teas.[8] The primary chemical composition of pine needle tea derives from the needles' natural compounds, including volatile oils, flavonoids, tannins, and resins. Volatile oils, which contribute significantly to the tea's aroma, predominantly consist of monoterpenes such as α-pinene and β-pinene, alongside sesquiterpenes like germacrene D and β-caryophyllene, varying by pine species.[8] Flavonoids, such as 5,4′-dihydroxy-3,6,7-trimethoxy-8-C-methylflavone, and tannins, including phenolic compounds like (-)-catechin, are present in the organic extracts of the needles.[8] Resins, represented by diterpenes like dehydroabietic acid, further characterize the material.[8] Pine needles are also notably rich in vitamin C, ascorbic acid.[1] When brewed, pine needle tea typically exhibits a light green to amber color, depending on steeping time and needle freshness.[9] Its flavor profile is aromatic and resinous, with distinctive notes of pine and citrus, evoking a woodsy, lemon-like essence due to the volatile oils.[10]Cultural significance
In Korean culture, pine needle tea holds a prominent place as a traditional beverage, particularly during winter. Solip-cha, derived from the needles of the Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora), is prepared by steeping or fermenting the leaves and served as a warming tonic to invigorate the body against seasonal chill.[11][7] Similarly, jannip-cha, made from the young leaves of the Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), represents another cherished variant, often brewed simply by infusing fresh needles in hot water to honor the tree's enduring presence in the landscape.[12] Among Indigenous peoples of North America, pine needle tea served as a vital cultural element, embodying communal knowledge of the land's provisions. Tribes such as the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) revered white pine (Pinus strobus) as a sacred tree, the "Tree of Peace," using its needle infusions medicinally, such as to prevent scurvy, to foster endurance during harsh winters.[13] European folklore intertwined pine with themes of vitality and eternity, influencing perceptions of pine needle infusions. Ancient Greeks associated the evergreen pine with immortality, attributing its resilience to divine favor and incorporating the pine tree into rites dedicated to gods like Dionysus.[14] Romans extended this reverence, decorating pines during Saturnalia festivals, symbolizing renewal and long life.[15] In parallel, Chinese Taoist traditions elevated pine needles as components of elixirs sought by priests for spiritual transcendence, consuming them alongside resin and cones to emulate the tree's timeless vigor.[16] Within contemporary foraging communities, pine needle tea symbolizes human resilience and a profound bond with wild ecosystems. Foragers often brew it as a ritual of self-reliance, drawing on the pine's ability to thrive in adversity to reflect personal fortitude and ecological interconnectedness.[17][18]History
Traditional uses worldwide
In North America, Indigenous peoples, particularly the Iroquois, utilized conifer decoctions to treat scurvy, as evidenced by their provision of a vitamin C-rich brew to French explorer Jacques Cartier's crew during the winter of 1535–1536 at Stadacona (present-day Quebec City), which cured the men's symptoms after several days of consumption.[19] This remedy, derived from the bark and leaves of conifers such as eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis) or possibly eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), marked one of the earliest documented uses of conifer infusions in the region and was later adopted by European settlers. By the 18th and 19th centuries, American and Canadian pioneers routinely prepared pine needle teas and spruce beers to prevent and alleviate scurvy during harsh winters and long voyages, drawing on Indigenous knowledge to supplement diets lacking fresh produce.[19] European traditions incorporated pine and spruce needle infusions into folk medicine for respiratory ailments and nutritional deficiencies, with brews advertised and sold in 16th-century London as scurvy remedies.[19] In Scandinavia during the medieval period, pine needle teas were employed to combat colds and related illnesses, leveraging the plant's availability in northern forests to provide immune support amid long, vitamin-scarce winters.[20] British naval practices in the 18th century, inspired by earlier explorations, included spruce needle beers—closely related to pine needle preparations—as rations to avert scurvy on extended sea journeys, a measure refined from 17th-century experiments with conifer extracts.[19] In Asia, traditional Chinese herbal medicine, as detailed in the 16th-century Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), prescribed pine needles for alleviating coughs and expelling phlegm, integrating them into decoctions for respiratory relief.[21] Korean folk traditions feature solip-cha, a tea from Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) needles, valued for its nutritional benefits.[11] Japanese herbalism similarly employed pine needle infusions in Kampo formulations to soothe coughs and bronchial issues, adapting ancient Chinese influences for local respiratory remedies.[22] Siberian and Russian folk medicine utilized pine needle teas and baths to combat fatigue and bolster endurance, particularly in harsh climates where the beverage served as a restorative tonic.[23]Modern adoption and research
In the 1970s and 1980s, pine needle tea experienced a resurgence in Western culture through the foraging movement and survivalist literature, particularly in the post-Vietnam War era when interest in self-reliance and wild edibles grew. Forager Euell Gibbons played a pivotal role, promoting the nutritional benefits of pine needles in his writings and 1970s television appearances, including his famous Grape-Nuts advertisement asking, "Ever eat a pine tree?" to highlight edible forest resources.[24] Survival manuals from this period, such as the U.S. Navy SEAL Survival Handbook, recommended pine needle tea for its high vitamin C content as a remedy against scurvy in remote or emergency situations.[25] Commercialization of pine needle tea accelerated in the 2000s, with pre-packaged versions entering health food markets as a natural beverage option. By this decade, pine needles were recognized as a health food ingredient in beverages and supplements, driven by growing demand for antioxidant-rich herbal products. Sales surged notably during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, fueled by online claims of immune-boosting properties; for instance, a U.K. tea supplier reported a 7,000% increase in pine needle tea sales in 2021.[26] Scientific research on pine needle tea expanded in the 2010s, focusing on its bioactive compounds. Studies highlighted its antioxidant activity, with a 2011 analysis of Pinus densiflora needle extracts showing strong free radical scavenging effects comparable to synthetic antioxidants.[27] Key findings included high shikimic acid content, a compound with potential antibacterial properties; a 2015 study isolated shikimic acid from Cedrus deodara pine needles and demonstrated its efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus.[28] Research on respiratory benefits remains limited, primarily involving preclinical models; a 2021 study found that ethanol extracts from pine trees reduced lung injury in rats exposed to inflammatory agents.[29] As of 2025, pine needle tea has integrated into broader wellness trends, particularly adaptogenic beverages aimed at stress reduction and immune support. Market analyses project significant growth in ready-to-drink pine needle tea formats, valued at $412 million globally in 2024 and expected to reach $1.12 billion by 2033.[30] A 2025 study confirmed adaptogenic potential in herbal teas incorporating pine needles and microstrobiles, showing stress-modulating effects in animal tests.[31] The popularity of DIY preparation has been amplified by online foraging resources, including tutorials that emphasize safe harvesting and basic brewing techniques.[6]Botanical aspects
Suitable pine species
Several pine species within the genus Pinus are suitable for making tea due to their non-toxic needles and beneficial compounds, with Pinus strobus (Eastern white pine) being a primary choice in North America. Native to eastern and central North America, this species features soft, flexible blue-green needles arranged in bundles of five, typically 2.5 to 5 inches long, contributing to its mild, aromatic flavor with citrus and subtle pine notes.[6] Its widespread distribution and ease of identification make it a staple for foragers in regions like the northeastern United States and Canada.[6] In Europe, Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) serves as a traditional source, prized for its robust, resinous taste derived from monoterpenes like α-pinene and limonene. This species, native to much of Eurasia, has twisted needles in pairs, 1 to 3 inches long, and has been used medicinally for centuries, including as a vitamin C-rich infusion.[32][33] In Mediterranean regions, including parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) is utilized for pine needle tea due to its safe, non-toxic needles suitable for vitamin C extraction. Native to the Mediterranean Basin, this species features needles in bundles of two, typically 2 to 4 inches long, and is recognized for its antioxidant properties, with extracts accepted as food ingredients in the EU.[8] Asian varieties include Pinus densiflora (Korean red pine), endemic to Korea, Japan, and parts of China, where its needles are brewed into solip-cha, a traditional tea valued for its nourishing properties and antioxidant flavonoids like catechin and procyanidins.[34] Similarly, Pinus koraiensis (Korean white pine), native to Korea, northeastern China, and Russia, provides needles for jannip-cha, an earthy-flavored herbal infusion with a history in Asian folk medicine for its bioactive compounds.[35] Although not true pines, needles from Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) and various Picea spp. (spruces) are commonly used interchangeably in teas for their edibility and palatability. Douglas fir, a North American conifer, yields needles with a fruity, citrus-like aroma when infused, historically employed by Indigenous groups like the Isleta Pueblo for rheumatism relief.[36] Spruce species, such as Picea rubens (red spruce), feature short, four-sided, sharp-tipped needles and produce a grassy, herbal tea, suitable across boreal forests of North America and Europe.[37] Botanical traits enhancing suitability include high concentrations of vitamin C in the needles, particularly the tender new growth.[37][38] Species with elevated resin or turpentine content, such as certain high-terpene pines, should be avoided due to potential irritancy from volatile oils like turpentine.[39] Harvesting focuses on this fresh growth in spring for optimal nutrient levels.[37]Harvesting and identification
Harvesting pine needles for tea requires careful identification to ensure the collection of safe, edible species. Pines (genus Pinus) are distinguished by their needles, which grow in bundles known as fascicles, typically containing 2 to 5 needles each, bound by a papery sheath at the base.[40] For example, the Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), a commonly used species for tea, features soft, flexible needles in bundles of five, each 2 to 4 inches long.[6] Preference should be given to the flat, flexible new growth tips, which are brighter green and less woody than older needles, providing a milder flavor and higher tenderness.[41] Effective harvesting techniques emphasize sustainability and hygiene. Collectors should target young, green tips from healthy branches, ideally snipping them with clean shears or scissors at the node to minimize damage to the tree and prevent contamination.[33] To promote sustainable yield, harvest small amounts from multiple trees rather than depleting a single one, allowing the forest to regenerate.[42] This approach mimics natural pruning and supports long-term ecosystem health.[43] Seasonal timing influences both availability and quality. Spring and fall are optimal for gathering fresh, vibrant tips, though needles can be collected year-round; nutrient concentrations in needles stabilize during winter months.[44] Avoid trees showing signs of drought stress, like sparse foliage or needle discoloration, as they may harbor reduced vitality.[33] Environmental considerations are essential for safe foraging. Select sites in unpolluted areas, away from roads or industrial zones to minimize exposure to vehicle emissions and contaminants. Always verify local regulations on public lands, as permits may be required for foraging in national forests or state parks to ensure compliance with conservation guidelines.[45]Preparation
Basic methods
Pine needle tea is typically prepared using fresh needles from safe species such as Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). The basic ingredients consist of ½–¾ cup of fresh pine needles per quart of water, with optional lemon slices or honey added for flavor enhancement.[46][7][6] To make the tea, begin by rinsing the needles thoroughly under cool water to remove dirt, insects, or debris. The needles can then be left whole or roughly chopped to increase surface area for infusion. Bring the water to a boil in a pot, then add the prepared needles and reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing them to steep for 5-20 minutes. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the needles, and serve the tea hot or allow it to cool for iced preparation.[7][47][46] The steeping time can be adjusted based on desired strength: a shorter infusion of about 5 minutes yields a mild, refreshing tea suitable for daily consumption, while a longer steep of 15-20 minutes produces a more robust flavor and potentially higher concentration of compounds for those seeking greater potency.[7][6] Fresh needles provide the best flavor and nutrient retention; to maximize vitamin C content, use fresh green needles harvested in late winter or spring, when levels are highest. The prepared infusion can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Excess needles can be dried for later use by spreading them in a single layer in a shaded, well-ventilated area until crisp, then storing in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.[46][7][48][49]Regional variations
In Korea, solip-cha is prepared by packing fresh needles of the Korean red pine (Pinus densiflora) with sugar and honey, then allowing the mixture to ferment for at least a week to create a syrup that is diluted with water and consumed as a refreshing winter health drink with subtle effervescence.[50][11] A related Korean variation, jannip-cha, uses fresh needles from the Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), which are washed, boiled briefly in water, then simmered to brew a milder, less resinous tea; it is commonly sweetened with honey.[12][51] North American preparations often involve a straightforward steeping of Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) needles in hot water, enhanced with citrus such as lemon slices for brightness and to complement the tea's natural vitamin C content; in some cases, the steeped infusion is fermented further to produce pine needle vinegar used in dressings or drinks.[52][7][10] European herbal traditions, particularly in Scandinavia, frequently incorporate pine needles into blends with mint or ginger to promote digestion, where the pine's woody notes balance the cooling mint or warming ginger in steeps aimed at soothing the stomach.[53][54]Health effects
Nutritional profile
Pine needle tea is notable for its high vitamin C content, which varies by species and preparation but can provide substantial amounts relative to common sources like citrus. In Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), fresh needles contain between 0.72 and 1.87 mg of ascorbic acid per gram, allowing a typical cup of tea brewed from approximately 10-30 g of fresh needles to provide 20-50 mg of vitamin C, depending on extraction efficiency—a useful contribution though less than a cup of orange juice (about 93 mg per 240 ml). This measurement derives from mid-summer sampling in a U.S. Forest Service study analyzing needle age and seasonal variation. Additionally, pine needles offer significant vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, supporting its role as an antioxidant precursor.[1] Beyond vitamins, pine needle tea contains antioxidants such as proanthocyanidins, polyphenolic compounds extracted efficiently from species like Pinus densiflora and Pinus thunbergii using solvent methods, contributing to its overall oxidative stability. Shikimic acid, a precursor in the synthesis of antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu), is present in white pine needles at concentrations up to 3% by dry weight, making extraction commercially viable according to biochemical analyses. Pine needles also contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium; across species, they generally provide 200-800 mg calcium, 50-200 mg magnesium, and 450-760 mg potassium per 100 g dry weight, as reported in compositional studies of Scots pine and related species.[55][56] Nutritional content varies significantly by pine species; Eastern white pine exhibits higher vitamin C levels (up to 1.87 mg/g) compared to Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), where fresh needles contain only about 0.108 mg/g, or roughly one-sixteenth as much. Drying methods also impact potency: freeze-drying preserves vitamin C best, with hot-air and vacuum-drying causing greater losses due to heat exposure, though exact reductions range from 20-50% depending on conditions in comparative physicochemical evaluations. These profiles are established through methods like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for vitamin C and atomic absorption spectroscopy for minerals, as employed in U.S. Forest Service analyses and other studies.[57][58]| Nutrient | Eastern White Pine (per 100 g fresh needles) | Scots Pine (per 100 g fresh needles) | Key Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (mg) | 72-187 | ~10.8 | USDA Forest Service; ResearchGate study[57] |
| Calcium (mg) | 200-800 (dry weight, species variant) | 225-490 (dry weight) | Compositional analyses[55] |
| Magnesium (mg) | 50-200 (dry weight) | 89-126 (dry weight) | Compositional analyses[55] |
| Potassium (mg) | 450-760 (dry weight, estimated from similar species) | 453-760 (dry weight) | Compositional analyses[55] |
