Pine needle vinegar...

 

Just a quicky today, I am bogged down with plans of all kinds, desperately trying to make one come to fruition!

The wild larder offers slim pickings in the winter months, thankfully there is a slight hint that spring is steadily making its way back to Britain: snow drops are in abundance, the first wild garlic shoots are appearing and even the daffodils are erupting from the earth…good stuff! I hate winter.

The world of blogging can be a fine source of inspiration, I have had pine needle tea on a few occasions and even used the sticky sap of the Scots pine for rudimentary chewing gum as an adventurous 8 year old (not recommended), but I had not though of making pine needle vinegar…

Pine Needles are very good for the immune system and are rich in flavanoids and minerals, it is believed that by filling a jar with pine needles and covering it with vinegar, after 6 weeks, you will have a something that is not a million miles away from Balsamic vinegar in flavour. Hmmmmm….

 

 

Two blogs I have come across, which are always a good read are The Cottage Smallholder and Eatweeds. Both have come up with similar methods of creating this Balsamic substitute…fresh out of blog ideas at the moment, with inspired thoughts being channeled in other directions, I thought I would have a go! I got my needles from Ashdown Forest, an area rich in Scots pine, and to be honest, I didn’t need a lot. The smell given off by the (rather uncomfortable) brushing of ones face with a small branch always makes me think of Christmas, funny that…the oak would make a rather lame, bare Christmas tree.

 

 

So, what next?

It really is quite simple: Strip the needles off a few small branches (preferably taken from a larger, fallen branch) give them a rinse under cold water and pack a jam jar or kilner jar with all the needles.

Bring some cider vinegar or white wine vinegar to the boil, add 2-3 tablespoons of soft brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Remove from the heat, allow the vinegar to cool slightly and pour over the pine needles. Easy. You may have to wait for 6-8 weeks to try it out, I tried red wine vinegar too for a bit of variety, I had a sniff this morning and both already have a slight yuletide aroma to them. Should sit nicely on the shelf with my tarragon infused vinegar I made a couple of months ago- its incredible with carrot shavings…

Since the pillbox/hobo experience, I have had my eye on caves for a true Stone age thrill, watch this space.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[ecigs]

From pine needles to balsamic vinegar huh? interesting!

[Cottage Smallholder]

Thanks for the link Nick, much appreciated!

[The Curious Cat]

How do you identify wild garlic? Where is best to find it? I am always thinking this!I also love this idea - pine is my most favourite smell of all and the idea of making a vinegar sounds simply divine! And so easy too you are right! xxx

[Homesure Services]

I love this idea. I am always thinking of this. It is very interesting and much appreciated idea.

[Danny DeMichele Photos]

Where is best to find it. I am always thinking this!I also love this idea - pine is my most favourite smell of all and the idea of making a vinegar sounds simply divine.

[HMS Home Warranty]

Pine is my most favorite smell of all and the idea of making a vinegar is superb. I really like this idea. Thanks for sharing.

[recycle mobile phones]

I am always thinking this!I also love this idea - pine is my most favourite smell of all and the idea of making a vinegar sounds simply amazing.

[Danny DeMichele Photos]

It is very interesting and much appreciated idea.Pine is my most favourite smell of all and the idea of making a vinegar sounds simply divine.

[Total Protect Home Warranty]

Where is best to find it. Pine is my most favorite smell of all and the idea of making a vinegar is superb. I really like this idea.

[Bathroom Vanities]

Pine is my most favourite smell of all and the idea of making a vinegar sounds simply superb..

[Dianne McDonald]

Just introduced to pine needle vinegar at a local farmer's market. They offered samples of a dandelion salad--just dandelions, garlic, pine needle vinegar, and real salt. Delicious. I bought some of the vinegar and tonight had black-eyed peas warmed with garlic and dressed with arugala, a splash of the vinegar and a bare drizzle of olive oil. It was perfect.

[Thomas Austin]

the pine needle vinegar was too good to look at.

[Mike Barrett]

the cottage small holder thing i like the most. thanks for sharing.

[Hunter Kern]

awesome. u remind me of the main character in my favorite book.
maybe u should try to build a storage / smoking chamber from a hollow tree trunk coated wit clay

[Louis Vuitton Online Store]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

[Chanel ipad leather]

I like the sound of all this except the oysters...allergic unfortunately! xxx