Spruce Tea is a refreshing herbal infusion made with tender, young tips. Vibrant green spruce tips are steeped in hot water with fresh ginger and white peppercorns. The citrusy-pine aroma and the crisp woodsy flavor with subtle notes of lemon are uplifting on cold days. Best enjoyed either hot or cold with honey or lemon juice, this earthy, herbal drink is ideal for relaxing and soothing your senses!
My inspiration for making Spruce Tea came from the local farmers’ market. One farm I regularly visit had the last box of spruce tips. I was intrigued by this unique produce used by indigenous people to make herbal teas. I have many spruce trees in my garden, but I did not know until then that spruce tips could be made into a refreshing, herbal tea. The farmer mentioned that the Spruce Tea will have a gentle lemony flavor with a touch of pine. After learning a lot about spruce tips and how to harvest them, I could not wait to get home to gather a fresh batch from my garden to make this refreshing tea.
What are spruce tips?
Spruce tips are the young, tender shoots of the spruce tree. They are usually harvested in spring, typically from mid-April to early June. The bright green shoots have a citrusy-pine flavor and are most flavorful when used in tea.
Health benefits of Spruce Tea:
Spruce shoots are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and promote wellness and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How do I clean and prepare the spruce tips?
Harvest the bright green spruce tips or purchase them from organic farms. Clean and rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove debris and insects. Discard brown needles and twigs. Gently bruise the tips or cut them to release their flavor when making the Spruce Tea.
2. Can I use dried spruce tips for this tea?
Dried spruce tips can be used to make this herbal tea. Soak the dry tips in cold water for 1-2 hours, rehydrate them, and then make the tea with near-boiling water.
3. How do I make a strong cup of tea?
Feel free to add more spruce tips to brew a strong cup of tea.
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Ingredients:
- Spruce tips
- Ginger
- White peppercorns
- Lavender honey (optional)
How to make Spruce Tea:
- Heat the water to a near boil. When you notice small bubbles, turn off the heat. Pour the hot water over the spruce tips, ginger, and peppercorns in a teapot. Cover the lid and let the concoction steep for 10-15 minutes.
2. Strain the concoction into teacups to remove the spruce tips, ginger, and peppercorns.
3. Enjoy the Spruce Tea hot or cold with honey or lemon juice.
Tips:
- Harvest fresh, vibrant spruce shoots. Discard any twigs or brown needles.
- Please ensure that your spruce trees are not contaminated with pesticides or chemicals.
- Do not overboil water; turn off the heat when you notice bubbles.
- If using dried spruce tips, soak them in cold water for at least 1-2 hours to allow them to rehydrate before making the tea.
- Steeping the concoction for over 15 minutes will result in a bitter-tasting tea.
- If you prefer a strong taste, use more spruce tips to brew the tea.
Serving suggestion:
Drink the Srpuce Tea hot or cold, sweetened with honey.
Storage:
Spruce Tea tastes best when brewed for 10 minutes. Refrigerate any leftovers for 1-2 days. Dried spruce tips can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place for several months.
Other teas and tisanes that you might like:
Spruce Tea
Equipment
- teapot
Ingredients
- 1 cup spruce tips
- 1 tsp white peppercorns
- 1 slice ginger
- 2 tsp lavender honey
- 2½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Rinse thoroughly and drain the spruce tips in a colander.
- Heat the water to a near boil. When you notice small bubbles, turn off the heat. Pour the hot water on the spruce tips, ginger, and peppercorns placed in a teapot. Cover the lid and let the concoction steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the concoction into teacups to remove the spruce tips, ginger and peppercorns.
- Enjoy the Spruce Tea hot or cold with honey.
Notes
- Harvest fresh, vibrant spruce shoots. Discard any twigs or brown needles.
- Please ensure that your spruce trees are not contaminated with pesticides or chemicals.
- Do not overboil water; turn off the heat when you notice bubbles.
- If using dried spruce tips, soak them in cold water for at least 1-2 hours to allow them to rehydrate before making the tea.
- Steeping the concoction for over 15 minutes will result in a bitter-tasting tea.
- If you prefer a strong taste, use more spruce tips to brew the tea.
Nutrition
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