White pine (Pinus strobus) is Ontario’s provincial tree and has an interesting history. The British Royal Navy used these trees in colonial times to make masts for their ships, and it is also known as the Tree of Peace (which seems fitting, as its medicinal properties can make you feel at peace when you need a boost!)
A mug of white pine tea
- A palm full of needle bundles
- Steep in hot/boiling water for 10-12 minutes
- Remove the needles by scooping it out or using a strainer/filter.
The tea I made didn’t have any distinctive taste, only a much milder leafy-warm water taste if I have to describe it (I’m not sure if I had too much water or didn’t have enough needles). As a member of the pine family, like hemlock, white pine tea is known for its medicinal properties (antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A) and was traditionally good for colds and chest congestion. It was also introduced as a cure for scurvy, which is caused by the lack of vitamin C. It seems like white pine tea is more suited as a remedial tea, not known for the taste but one I would try when feeling under the weather.
As always, make sure to identify the edible species correctly before picking. There are several tree/shrub and plant identification guides available (books, online, etc) that help differentiate edible and non-edible varieties – be safe! In addition, pick only what you need. Taking out fruits, leaves, and twigs of a tree or shrub is also pruning, which can be stressful especially for younger trees and those in more urbanized areas. Trees and shrubs in our urban forest provides us with many benefits, being edible is only of them.
LEAF offers the white pine through our Backyard Tree Planting Program. So if you want to grow your own, book a consultation! And like I always say, enjoy your trees and teas with the people you love most!
