Tag: Edible pine needles

For centuries, various cultures have used certain pine species to create a nutritious tea packed with vitamin C. Given this history, a common question arises: are pine needles edible for humans? The answer is a qualified yes, but it is critical to distinguish between safe and toxic varieties and to avoid consuming them raw in large quantities.

Pine needle tea is famously rich in Vitamin C, with some varieties containing up to five times more than oranges, a fact that historically made it a remedy for scurvy. However, the critical caveat is that not all pine or evergreen needles are safe for consumption, and some are highly toxic.