Pine needles, chosen correctly- excellent snack

[grumpy jock]

Pine needles- Time: Late April:

I'd read pine needles were edible. They're a slight a chore to eat mostly, or so I thought, until I discovered fresh, pale green, new spring growths of budlike clusters on ends of some branches. Eureka! Far better than expected. Succulent, tender, easy to gather, easy to scoff down by the delicious, refreshing handful. Distinct fresh lemon flavour (vitamin C). Excellent trail food and snack, like discovering free sweeties. I expect they have excellent kitchen uses; like salads, or some kind of preserve, or accompaniment to fish or other foods. They're great alone though- You've got to try it and let us know what you think

-Grumpy J

[prison break fan]

Is it all pine needles? There are so many different pine trees! pbf.

[greenfingers]

i have heard that they make very nice tea

[grumpy jock]

@pbf- What I read was that all pine needles were edible. Can't remember where I read it but was on google.
Those fresh buds and growths would keep you hydrated on a trek, as well as giving a fresh feeling.
The older more leathery needles would be more work to eat, and certainly do seem like they'd make great tea. Would be nice treat on the trail i reckon. But the buds are so accessible and easy to eat. After a couple of mouthfuls you might get tired chewing, but the juice is deliciously citric so can be sucked down and the pulp spat out. In survival situation with uncertainty about safe drinking water, the buds would be excellent source of safe, healthy hydration.

[Ellendra]

All pines are edible, but NOT ALL EVERGREENS ARE PINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't emphasize that enough, there are some that could kill you. Examine the base of the needles closely. They should be roundish to triangular, and wrapped in little bundles (2-5, depending on the variety), and then the bundles are attached to the branch. If the needles are flat, or are attached singularly, DON'T EAT IT!!!!

Also, look for the classic pine cone. While there are other evergreens that have cones, there are no pines that do not have cones. If it has berries or individual seed capsules, leave it!

[prison break fan]

Think I'll pass on this snack!! pbf

[grumpy jock]

Thanks for the poisons advice. That's important. I hope nobody makes errors. Please be careful.

Glad to say it was definitely pine I had and I'm not poisoned.
I'd like to add, I think I have discovered those fresh pine buds have decongestant properties effective in minutes, and are mildly stimulating.

G

[Burnham]

I also think it should be mentioned that they are sometimes used in beer, ilke on river cottage. However, I prefer a mix of them (pine needles) and hops. Most pines work, some better then others.