Pine Needle Soda (Edit recipe)

If you feel you can properly ID an edible pine, this recipe is for you! I personally use Pinus Strobus in this recipe. Pinus Strobus is the Eastern White Pine. It has 5 needles in a bundle and the needles have a white stripe down them if you look very close. Some people say pine needle soda tastes like sprite, but we think it tastes similar to old school Arizona tea!

5 minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

Show nutritional information

This is our estimate based on online research.
Calories:	120
Fat:	0 g
Carbohydrates:	34 g
Protein:	0 g
Cholesterol:	0 g
Sodium:	0 mg
Fiber:	0 g
Sugars:	34 g
Calculated for total recipe.

by tashatindall

Serves: 1

Ingredients

1 cup Pine Needles, I’m specifically using Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)
2 Tbsp Raw Honey

Process

Cook Mode

Note, these instructions are written assuming the standard serving size, since you have modified the number of servings, these steps may need to be modified for best results

Forage your needles, being sure to keep a bit of the branch (don’t just pull needles off). This will make them easy to rinse off, to stuff your jar or bottle with, and it also adds to the flavor. The amount is an estimate, you just need enough to adequately stuff the jar or bottle. You shouldn’t have to smash them in, they should fit loosely.
Boil the glass container you plan to use for 10 minutes in water. I like to add my jars and then bring the water to a boil, starting the timer when it starts boiling. This way the container comes to temp with the water and is less likely to break.
Rinse your needles thoroughly to remove any dirt or bugs, but do not use any form of antibacterial/microbial soap on them as it’ll strip the good bacteria’s we need fermentation.
Stuff your container with the needles and add your honey.
Fill container with water, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
Wipe they top of your container so it is dry to ensure it makes a good seal. Sometimes I use a bit of vinegar on a rag for this step.
Shake your container and leave it to ferment for 5 days in a cool, dark part of your kitchen. I’ve read that other pine species don’t take as long to ferment, so you may want to check your ferment at the 3 day mark if you’re using a different species of pine. I don’t burp mine as the effervescence is minimal for me.
Open and strain your soda, enjoy over ice! It’s very refreshing with a bit of citrus squeezed over top. You can store them in the fridge, but you may want to burp them prior to fridge storage.