If you venture out to the woods or your own yard …
be sure to collect some conifer needles, as they have benefits that not everyone knows about!
Fir needles are especially nice, and can be made into a forest tea with chai spices that is not only delicious and festive,
but 
also helpful for respiratory wellness.
also helpful for respiratory wellness.
FYI… only use those needles if you know absolutely without a doubt hasn’t been treated with a chemical
—- many tree farms do! So beware!
Fir needles, just like most foraged conifer needles, are edible and make wonderful medicine!
Fir trees (Abies spp.) are easy to identify from other conifers if you know what to look for.
They are very beautiful evergreens that are often used as Christmas trees.
The needles are flat and they attach to the twigs by a base that looks like a tiny suction cup.
They also have two white lines on the bottom, and tend to curve upward. The cones stand upright, like candlesticks.
Some common fir species include:
grand fir,
white fir,
silver fir,
basalm fir,
and noble fir.
Fir needles have many medicinal benefits and are particularly good for the respiratory system.
They are
anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial.
antioxidant,
antiseptic,
antispasmodic,
diuretic,
expectorant,
and sedative.
Let’s try a tea…
Fir Needle Forest Chai Blend
This recipe is really simple to put together and is basically just a mix of fir needles with some chai spices.
The hardest part of the recipe is collecting the fir needles! so get foraging my friend!
Once you’ve collected your fir needles, you can either use them fresh or dry them for longer storage.
Drying
Because conifer needles have a low water content, it won’t take too long for them to dry. Depending on the humidity level it will only take a week or so.
Simply combine the dried fir needles, dried orange peel, cinnamon chips, cardamom pods, star anise pods, dried ginger pieces, and peppercorns in a jar.
Once the fir needles are dry, you can cap the jar and store it in a cool dry place for up to a year.
If you are using fresh needles …. I love making this tea fresh ….
But will forage soon and dry a bunch!
When using fresh– make smaller batches and use it up fairly quickly…
I also would not cap the jar, so that any moisture that might be there can escape. Fresh needles have more flavor and are really a joy to use!
FYI-In the springtime you can collect fresh fir tips and dry them for later use in this chai.
When you are ready to make the chai, steep one heaping tablespoon of the mixture in 8 to 10 ounces of near boiling water. Let the tea infuse for 5 to 7 minutes or longer if desired, then strain into a mug.
If you prefer a sweeter tea you can add a spoonful of raw honey if you wish. Try it without first, you may be pleasantly surprised by its flavor!
Fir Needle Forest Chai Recipe
This foraged tea blend uses pleasant tasting fir needles and chai spices to create a delicious and festive drink. It is also good for respiratory wellness and opening the chest and sinuses.
Credit to The Backyard Herbal Apothecary book by Devon Young- where I found this amazing recipe.
- Prep Time 8 minutes
- Cook Time 5 minutes
- Steeping time 7 minutes
- Total Time 20 minutes
- Servings 12
- Calories 1kcal
- Pint Mason Jar
- Fine Mesh Sieve
Ingredients
- 1 cup fir needles or tips dried or fresh
- 1 tbsp dried orange peel
- 1 tbsp cinnamon chips
- 1 tbsp green cardamom pods lightly crushed
- 1 tbsp star anise pods lightly crushed
- 1 tbsp dried ginger pieces
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns lightly crushed
- raw honey to taste (optional)
Instructions
Combine the fir needles, orange zest, cinnamon chips, cardamom pods, star anise pods, ginger, and peppercorns.
If using dried fir needles, store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in a cool, dark place and use within one year. If using fresh fir needles, leave the jar open and use within a few weeks.
To prepare the tea, steep one heaping tablespoon of the mixture in 8 to 10 ounces of near boiling water.
Infuse for 5 to 7 minutes or longer if desired, then strain in a serving mug. Sweeten with raw honey if desired.
Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 1kcal
How’s that for an amazing chai tea made with foraged conifer…. If you try it let us know!
What can you forage for in spring…. We are in Ohio but tell us where you want to
forage and we will give you some help as well!
Here’s some…
Wild Plants to Forage for…. In Early Spring
Are we at early spring yet?… Oh I sure hope so! What is is like right now in your neck of the woods?
Did you Know…. This time of year, — after the winter bounties are almost depleted and before this year’s crops are ready, is traditionally known as the ‘hungry gap’. Who knew?
Some of the goodies we are going to talk about in this blog you may or may not have in your area and some you might even find sprouting up right on your very homestead- some may need to go out foraging. The kinds of plants you find will depend on where you live. However, you should find some of these edible wild plants wherever call home.
please remember…
- Never –ever — eat anything that you cannot be 100% certain you have identified correctly
- Think about potential contaminants. Don’t eat anything that may have been treated or from near sources of pollution. Try to find foods as far from human activity as possible when out and about in the countryside or the wilds.
- Check the rules on foraging where you live.
- Never take more than you need. Try to leave root systems in place, taking only small, sustainable amounts so the plants can continue to grow
Now go forage and collect and have a great time in that nature….
Some of my favorite things to forage for — in Part 2 coming up next…
See you at part 2….
Cyndi -Tu Sisters in the Garden