When it comes to pine needles, most of you will think about Christmas, right? It is decorated to welcome the special holiday. However, it is not just for this occasion, it can be used for regular days. And in the post today, we want to share 16 amazing uses of pine needles that you’d never have thought of. If you are interested, let’s learn them about with us. Here we go!
Taking them a look to see how many things you can do with, which are pine needle cookies, pine needle tea, pine needle cough syrup, pine needle sachets, and more. Most of them are easy to make at home without spending too much effort and you can totally do them any time when you want. And if you have pine trees on your property or have ever had a fresh-cut Christmas tree, then you know all about the mess that pine needles can make. Fresh or dried, you can use pine needles for everything. Save them and try some.
#1 Pine-Smoked Meat
The next time you fire up the grill, throw pine needles on your charcoal right before putting your meat on. Pine smoke is especially great for chicken, seafood, and veggies.
#2 Pine-Infused Vinegar
Try infusing vinegar with pine needles for a splash of something different. Put one 1/3 cup of pine needles into a jelly jar and top up with vinegar. Screw the lid on and give it a good shake. Let the pine needles meld with the vinegar for about three weeks. Strain into a clean jar to remove the needles. Use your pine needle vinegar in salad dressings, stir-fries, and soups.
#3 Eat ‘em Raw
Spruce tips, especially in the spring, are a favorite hiking treat. The new growth is bright green, so fresh and vibrant. They are a delicious snack when you are out on the trail. Plus, you can turn them into your own spruce tips syrup.
#4 Pine Needle Cookies
Pine needle shortbread cookies pair well with a cup of hot tea. Not only do your house smell amazing while the cookies are baking, but they make for the perfect companion to your afternoon tea.
#5 Pine Needle Tea
Pine is jam-packed with vitamins A and C, even more vitamin C than orange juice. Add the pine needles to a pre-warmed teapot. Pour in a cup of boiling water and steep for five minutes. Or bring water and pine needles to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. Turn off the heat, cover, and steep for five minutes.
#6 Pine Needle Cough Syrup
The next time you have a sore throat or cough, give this pine needle cough syrup a try. It requires only three ingredients to make, and you probably already have them close at hand – water, honey, and pine needles.
#7 The Original Pine-Sol
Make a pine-based household cleaner. In 2-4 weeks, you have a pine-scented cleaner that can tackle the toughest stovetop grease and the slimiest soap build up in your shower.
#8 Firestarters
To make, put 1-2 tablespoons of pine needles in each cup of a muffin tin or ice cube tray. Using a double boiler, melt paraffin wax until it’s liquid. Pour the melted wax into each cup. Freeze for an hour then pop out your fire starters. Use one or two when lighting your fire.
#9 Pine Needle Sachets
Keep your clothes smelling fresh with pine needle sachets. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can sew cloth baggies. Stuff them with fresh pine needles and sew or tie them closed. Toss a couple in each drawer and in your closet to keep clothes smelling fresh.
#10 Pine Needle Tassels
I have Eastern White pine trees all around me, so now my house has Eastern White pine tree tassels everywhere. These take moments to make, and you can dress them up or keep them rustic. Tightly wrap a bundle of pine needles at their base with green florist wire. Then wrap the top of your tassel with raffia, baker’s twine, embroidery floss, yarn, or jute twine. You can make a loop with the florist wire, or with whatever material you wrap over the top of the wire.