Does Pine Have Vitamin C? Separating Fact from Forest Folklore

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

In 1536, the crew of French explorer Jacques Cartier was cured of scurvy by Native Americans using a tea brewed from tree needles and bark, showcasing the plant's potent anti-scurvy properties. This historical event proves that, yes, pine does have vitamin C in its needles and bark, and it can be a surprisingly powerful source.

Quick Summary

Pine needles contain significant amounts of vitamin C, even more than citrus fruits per ounce, making them a historically significant and potent natural remedy. The vitamin content varies by species and needle age, with proper preparation crucial for nutrient preservation. However, correct identification is critical, as some pine species and similar-looking evergreens are toxic.

Key Points

High Vitamin C Content: Pine needles can contain 4 to 5 times more vitamin C than an equivalent amount of orange juice or lemon.
Historical Remedy: Indigenous peoples and sailors historically used pine needle tea to prevent and treat scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
Essential to Identify Correct Species: Some pine species and similar evergreens (like yew) are highly toxic and must be avoided.
Preserve Nutrients: To create pine needle tea, fresh, green needles should be steeped in hot water, not boiled, to preserve the fragile vitamin C.
Rich in Antioxidants and Vitamin A: Besides vitamin C, pine needles are also a good source of antioxidants and vitamin A, which support immune and skin health.
Content Varies by Age: The vitamin C content in pine needles can increase with the age of the needle, but younger needles may offer a milder taste.

The Surprising Truth About Pine and Vitamin C

Yes, pine has vitamin C, and historically it has proven to be a life-saving remedy. While the phrase 'vitamin C' might conjure images of oranges and lemons, the humble pine needle offers a comparable, and often more concentrated, dose of this essential nutrient. Native Americans and early explorers used pine needle tea to prevent and cure scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. The concentration of ascorbic acid in pine needles can vary, with some studies showing that older needles have a higher content than younger ones, though younger needles offer a milder flavor for tea. The vitamin is also present in the inner bark, known as the cambium, which has also been used as a food source in survival situations.

A Historical Lifesaver: The Story of Scurvy

The most famous account of pine's anti-scurvy properties dates back to the 16th century, when Jacques Cartier and his crew were suffering from the illness while stranded in Canada. Indigenous peoples introduced them to a medicinal tea, likely made from Eastern White Cedar, which shares similar properties with pine. This remedy, rich in vitamin C, effectively cured the sailors, highlighting the medicinal knowledge of the local tribes. Later, sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries would also turn to pine needle tea to stave off scurvy on long voyages.

More Than Just Vitamin C: Other Pine Nutrients

Beyond its high vitamin C content, pine needle tea and extracts contain a range of other beneficial compounds. These include:

Vitamin A: Important for eye health, skin regeneration, and red blood cell production.
Antioxidants: Compounds like flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and phenols help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support immune function.
Terpenes: Aromatic compounds such as alpha-pinene and limonene that have anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects.

Identifying Safe Pine Species

WARNING: It is critical to correctly identify the tree species before consuming any part of it. Some conifers, including certain pines and similar-looking trees like yew, are highly toxic and should never be ingested.

Trees Generally Considered Safe for Tea

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus): Needles are in bundles of five and are flexible.
Red Pine (Pinus resinosa): Needles are arranged in bundles of two.
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea): Fir needles are attached individually to the branch and are flat and soft.
Spruce (Picea): Spruce needles are also single, but they are sharp and can be rolled between your fingers.

Trees to AVOID

Yew (Taxus): Highly toxic.
Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa): Not suitable for tea.
Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta): Not suitable for tea.
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla): Not a true pine and toxic.

How to Safely Prepare Pine Needle Tea

Making pine needle tea is a simple process, but requires a few key steps to ensure safety and preserve nutrients:

Harvest: Gather fresh, green needles from a confirmed safe species, preferably away from roads and pollutants.
Rinse: Thoroughly wash the needles to remove dirt or insects.
Chop: Cut or chop the needles into smaller pieces to help release the essential oils and vitamins.
Steep: Place the needles in a cup or teapot. Do NOT boil the needles directly, as high heat can destroy vitamin C. Instead, pour boiling water over them.
Infuse: Allow the tea to steep for 15-20 minutes, covered, until it develops a light green or yellow hue.
Serve: Strain the needles and serve. You can add honey or lemon to taste.

Comparison: Pine Needles vs. Citrus

To illustrate the potency of pine needles as a vitamin C source, here is a comparison with a classic reference, the orange. Note that levels can vary significantly by species, age, and freshness.


Source	Vitamin C Content (per 100g)	Notes
Orange	53.2 mg	Standard citrus source
White Pine Needles (New)	72 mg	Fresh young needles
White Pine Needles (1 Year Old)	118 mg	Needles from the previous season
White Pine Needles (2 Years Old)	187 mg	Older, more potent needles

Conclusion

Pine is indeed a significant and historically proven source of vitamin C, particularly in the form of pine needle tea. Its needles can contain much higher concentrations of the nutrient than common citrus fruits, making it a powerful natural remedy for supporting immune function and combating scurvy. However, this ancient and effective solution comes with a critical caveat: careful identification of the tree species is paramount, as some varieties are toxic. By following proper foraging and preparation methods, you can safely enjoy a nutritious and flavorful herbal beverage straight from the forest.

For more information on the health benefits and properties of pine needle tea, consult reputable sources such as WebMD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe species for tea include Eastern White Pine, Red Pine, and Balsam Fir. It is crucial to correctly identify the species before consumption, as others like Yew and Ponderosa Pine are toxic.

While theoretically edible from safe species, direct consumption is not recommended. Pine needles are tough, fibrous, and can be difficult to digest. Brewing a tea is the most common and safest method of consumption.

To make tea, chop fresh, clean needles and steep them in hot (not boiling) water for 15-20 minutes. Avoid boiling the needles directly, as this destroys the vitamin C.

No. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid pine needle tea. Anyone with an allergy to pine should also avoid it. If you have health concerns, consult a doctor before use.

No, the vitamin C content can vary depending on the pine species, the age of the needles, and the season they are harvested. Some studies show that older needles have more vitamin C, but flavor can be more intense.

The taste varies by species and preparation. Eastern White Pine offers a mild, pleasant flavor, often described as citrusy with minty notes. Older needles or too much steeping can result in a more bitter, resinous taste.

In addition to vitamin C, pine needles are a source of vitamin A and powerful antioxidants. They have been used for their anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and immune-boosting properties.