![]() This is not only unethical, but unsustainable, and is the reason why so many tree species used in herbalism, such as slippery elm (Ulmus rubra), are currently at risk from over-harvesting.”īoth the inner and outer bark of pine trees has been used as a food source by the Sami, an indigenous people from northern Scandinavia, and not just as a famine food. Never, absolutely never, cut a tree down simply just to harvest its bark or its root bark. The timing here can be tricky, as you only want to harvest from recently fallen trees (within a few weeks of falling or being cut down) and not those that have begun to rot and decay. Only harvest bark from a tree that has been recently cut down for some other reason or has recently fallen over on its own. ![]() Harvesting, even a little, scars the tree for life and harvesting too much will kill the tree altogether.Īccording to the Herbal Academy’s online Botany and Wildcrafting Course, “As a rule, never harvest from the trunk of a living tree. Pine bark has been harvested for food for hundreds of years, and one reason we know this is because the scars of pine bark harvesting are still present in Scandinavian trees after more than 700 years. Harvesting pine bark causes severe damage to a tree, and bark should only be harvested from trees destined to be cut down for other reasons. Pine pollen can be used to replace flour in most recipes, provided you don’t replace more than 1/4 of the total amount. Many of our pines produce cones way out of reach 50+ feet in the air, but if you can find smaller trees you can harvest your own pine pollen. Pine pollen season is short, and it’s variable depending on climate. Once your neighbors start complaining about their dirty cars, it’s time to get out foraging. Most people know of pine pollen as that annoying yellow powder that blankets their cars and sidewalks in the springtime. Pine needles are also naturally antibacterial, antifungal and expectorant so they make a great pine cough syrup when combined with honey.ĭouglas fir pear tart from Nitty Gritty Life Pine Pollen Internally, pine is high in vitamin C, which makes it perfect in a nutrient-rich pine tea or pine needle soda. A pine needle hair rinse can be used to treat dandruff and eczema while adding shine to your hair. And pine is a powerful antioxidant which means that it may help to prevent premature aging, and may even help to reverse skin damage.”Īdding pine needles to homemade bath salts can help relieve headaches, soothe frazzled nerves, relieve muscle pain and treat skin irritation. They’re also medicinal, which is a lovely bonus.Įxternally, pine needles are added into salves for skin care “because pine is astringent, it reduces pore size and fine wrinkles. Believe it or not, even more than pine nuts, as they can be made into a tasty tea, or mixed into just about any recipe savory or sweet for a spicy kick. Pine needles are perhaps the most versatile part of the tree. They have a buttery flavor, which makes them especially good in cookies. Pine nuts are famous for their use in pesto, but really they’re useful in all manner of recipes, savory or sweet. ![]() I’ll be able to report back on their taste in about a decade or so… Up here in zone 4 edible nut pines are not a great foraging option, but there is a species of Korean nut pine that’s hardy to zone 4. Worldwide there are roughly 20 species with large edible pine nuts, and most of those grow in warm climate areas. While all pines have edible seeds, most are too small to be worth the bother. You will, on the other hand, get bonus points for foraging your own or growing your own. Your mother likely eats them on occasion. They find their way into fancy foods, and you don’t really get extra forager points for eating them. The most obvious pine edible is the tasty nuts. Every part is useful including the bark, needles, resin, nuts, and cones. ![]() Most conifers are not only edible, they’re also medicinal. A while back I took a winter foraging course at our local herbal school, and I was truly amazed at how many ways you can eat a pine tree.
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