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Homemade pine syrup is a great natural supplement that supports overall good health and disease prevention. It is also a simple and easy way to enrich the flavor of cocktails, teas, and spiced dishes, especially during the winter months. It gives any prepared dish a pleasant tart flavor, somewhat similar to lemon. All parts of the pine are edible; gather a few clean sprigs and make a simple pine recipe at home:
Uses of pine syrup
Pine syrup is particularly a very potent anti-inflammatory. It is also a way to reduce blood pressure. It was later even found that pine syrup can be used to improve some symptoms of respiratory illnesses. In particular, it can be used to relieve coughs from bronchitis and asthma to the common cold and flu. The vapors from this syrup can be used to clear a blocked nose, ease colds, and cleanse the skin.
The syrup is also a good source of calcium, and one teaspoon a day improves bone health and helps prevent osteoporosis. It also contains large amounts of vitamins C and A, which help strengthen the immune system and may prevent illnesses. In addition, homemade pine syrup can also stimulate digestion. When applied directly to the skin, it can reduce muscle and nerve pain.
Other ways to incorporate the nutrients from pine syrup include adding it to dishes while cooking. From a culinary perspective it gives sauces, baked goods, marinades, stews, and even breads an interesting and fresh flavor. It pairs well with chicken, beef, or fish. Another great use is using the syrup as a sweetener in cocktails and other drinks; it gives lemonades, iced teas, and mojitos a refreshing taste. It can even be added to your morning hot coffee or tea.
Preparing pine syrup
Use a few small sprigs, about a handful, and place them in a sealable container. Young sprigs will be better than the older ones. Then boil one cup of water and pour it over the pine needles. Close the container and wait at least 30 minutes, and no more than twenty-four hours. Then remove the needles from the water and discard them. Put the pine infusion into a small pot with one cup of sugar. Stir with a whisk or spoon and cook for about one minute. Finally, let the syrup cool completely to room temperature, then you can store it in the refrigerator. Prepared this way, pine syrup can be stored for about one month.
