Various species of pine are commonly used as Christmas trees and holiday decorations, but this sturdy tree is useful for so much more! All species of pine are coniferous tree, meaning they bear their seeds within cones, from the genus Pinus. There are nearly 130 distinct species worldwide, and they can be found throughout the northern hemisphere.
Pine is one of the most extensively used timber trees, producing a soft wood that is prized for its lumber and pulp. It is a fast-growing tree that thrives when grown in the densely-populated style of timber plantations.
Aside from its uses in construction and as holiday décor, this tree is also enjoyed by chefs and herbalists for a wide variety of purposes. From a classic ingredient in pesto to a cold-busting herbal brew, the noble conifer has so much to offer!
Pine in the Kitchen
The seeds of all pine are edible, but few of them are large enough (or easy enough) to extract to be worth considering for your recipes. The pine nuts commonly available at the grocery store are typically harvested from pinyon pine trees, Pinus edulis. In Europe, the typical source for these flavorful little seeds is the stone pine, P. pinea.
Adding 1/4 cup or so of these seeds to your pesto recipe will give your sauce that delicate nutty taste. Try toasting them before adding them to the recipe for a deeper, more pronounced flavor.
Consider using pine needles to infuse a resinous, woodsy flavor to your dishes. One way to do this is to simply harvest fresh young needles, steep them in olive oil and then use this flavorful oil to add a citrusy flavor and woody aroma to your meal.
The flavor goes quite well with fish, chicken and other meats. Another great way to include this piney goodness in your food is to just add needles right into the cooking process! Try laying a piece of salmon onto a bed of fresh pine needles before wrapping it in aluminum foil and baking it in the oven. Yum!
Read more: That pine smell isn’t just good—it’s good for you, too!
In the Apothecary
Historically, people around the world have used various parts of the pine tree—including the needles, inner bark and resin—for similar conditions. Internally, the tree has been utilized to treat cold and flu symptoms such as cough and sore throat. And the plant is applied topically for sore muscles, joint pain and arthritis.
The easiest way to harness this herb’s healing benefits is with a soothing pine needle tea. Finely chop about 1/2 cup of fresh needles and steep them in 3 cups of boiling water. Use a reusable tea bag or stainless-steel tea ball. Once brewed, add lemon juice and honey to taste and enjoy.
Read more: Use pine to craft your own herbal salve! Check out this video to learn how.
Growing Pine
Pine trees are quite widespread throughout the northern hemisphere and should be easy to find. As with any other plant, make sure to properly ID your tree before harvesting any parts of the plant.
If you’d like to grow your own pine tree, that are very easy to cultivate! They prefer sandy, well-drained soil and will thrive in full sun to partial shade areas. Although you certainly can grow a tree from seed, it is much easier to start with a healthy sapling from your local nursery.
Pine are fast-growing trees. Many will easily grow 1 to 2 feet per year, with some species growing even more quickly. Be sure to plant your tree in an area with plenty of space to grow. They can live well over 100 years. One specimen of P. longaeva, a tree known as ‘Methusula,’ is believed to be around 4,800 years old!
