Evergreen Oxymel Recipe

Mixologists and herbalists love evergreen conifers not only for their piney, sometimes citrusy flavors, but also for their antioxidants; their ability to warm up a chilly body; and the way they can break up a boggy, chesty cough.You can make this oxymel with any edible conifer, such as pine (Pinus spp.), spruce (Picea spp.), fir (Abies spp.), or Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). After steeping the needles in vinegar, you’ll wind up with a flavored vinegar that’s delicious all by itself (pine needle vinegar is often compared to balsamic vinegar). You might wish to reserve some for cooking; as for the rest, you’ll mix it with honey to make a tasty, healing oxymel.

Author: Kami McBride

Ingredients

1 large handfuls conifer needles
1 cup (235 ml) apple cider vinegar
¾ cup (255 g) honey, or to taste

Instructions

Roughly cut the conifer needles using scissors or a heavy knife. Combine the needles and vinegar in a sterilized pint (470 ml) jar, stirring with a chopstick to release air bubbles and moisten all the needles. Leave at least 1/4 inch (6 mm) of headspace and make sure the needles are completely submerged.
Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean cloth. Cover the jar with a nonreactive lid (see page 89). Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 2 to 4 weeks, shaking it daily and ensuring that the needles stay submerged. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with a cloth or towel; discard the solids. Combine the strained vinegar and honey in a sterilized jar or bottle, cover it with a nonreactive lid, and shake to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
YIELD: ABOUT 11/2 CUPS (355 ML)
Wildcrafting Tip: Conifer needles or leaves may be harvested any time of year, although they’re usually most aromatic in spring and can be bitter in winter, so pick accordingly. And, I know I’ve said it before, but I can’t overemphasize how important it is to taste each individual tree, because their flavors really do vary! Also, be sure not to harvest too much from any single tree; move around and gather a little here and there to maintain the area’s ecological balance.