The spruce tree is a type of coniferous tree that can be found in various parts of Europe, particularly in Northern, Eastern, and Central Europe. Interestingly, the spruce tips possess significant health benefits, and it’s no wonder that our forefathers were familiar with the potent healing properties of young spruce tips.
Spruce tips contain an essential oil that can effectively alleviate the symptoms of colds and soothe throat pain and coughs. Moreover, it can also provide relief from rheumatism and muscle pain. The syrup made from spruce tips is a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids that can enhance your immunity when consumed regularly. And what’s more, the high concentration of vitamin C in spruce tips makes it an essential ingredient for overall health and well-being!
What Is The Spruce Tip Syrup
The spruce tip syrup is a refreshing and flavorful syrup that is made using fresh and young spruce tips. These tips have a stunning light green color and a delightful taste that is sure to please your taste buds. It’s important to use tips that are not longer than ten centimeters as they contain the highest concentration of essential oils and mineral salts.
May and early June are the optimal months for harvesting young spruce tips. When collecting them, it’s best to use an open container such as a wicker basket to prevent steaming. Closed bags, including plastic bags, are not recommended for this purpose.
What you’ll need:
- Young spruce tips (two-three mugs)
- Lemon
- Sugar – white sugar, brown sugar, or liquid sugar
- Large glass jar
Procedure
To make sure your spruce tips are clean and ready to use, start by giving them a thorough rinse with cold water. After that, gently pat them dry using a paper or cloth kitchen towel. This step will ensure that your spruce tips are in their best condition and ready for your recipe.
The jar has to be squeaky clean before proceeding to make your spruce syrup. Wash it thoroughly with hot water and allow it to dry or use a cloth to dry it if you’re in a hurry. Remember, any impurities left behind could cause your syrup to spoil. So, take the time to ensure it is 100% clean.
Layering
Let’s move on to layering. Start by placing the spruce tips at the bottom and use a spoon or any kitchen tool to compact them well. Follow it up by sprinkling a layer of sugar roughly an inch thick and top it with two slices of organic lemon. If you don’t have a fresh lemon, don’t worry; you can use lemon juice instead. Just make sure it’s 100% pure without any added substances.
To infuse the jar with the wonderful aroma of spruce, add a layer of spruce tips to the sugar, and repeat until the jar is filled. Make sure to end with a layer of sugar or lemon, not spruce tips, as the previous layers may have absorbed all the juice.
To seal the filled jar, wrap it tightly with clingwrap and secure it with rubber. In case you don’t have clingwrap, you can use the jar’s original lid. Just ensure that it is as clean as the glass.
To make spruce tip syrup, you need to place the jar in a sunny spot and monitor it periodically for a few weeks to see if it starts forming a syrup. When you notice that the sugar has dissolved and transformed into syrup, it’s time to grab a fine sieve and strain it. After that, pour your delicious syrup into some bottles for safekeeping. Easy peasy!
Health Benefits of Spruce Tip Syrup
Spruce tip syrup has been used for centuries as a natural remedy (and healthy sweetener.) Here are some of the top health benefits of spruce tip syrup:
Boosts the immune system: Spruce tip syrup is full of vitamin C, which is essential for strengthening our immune system.
Reduces inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of spruce tip syrup can help, yes you guessed it right, the inflammation in your body.
Relieves respiratory issues: Spruce tip syrup has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for respiratory issues, from colds and coughs to bronchitis.
Supports digestive health: The young spruce tip syrup can also help to support digestive health by improving digestion and reducing inflammation in the digestive system.
Promotes healthy skin: The syrup is abundant in antioxidants, which are crucial in safeguarding the skin from free radical harm. The syrup’s antioxidant properties help minimize the appearance of aging signs and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
Provides nutritional support: This sweet syrup is a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals! It’s loaded with vitamin A, C, calcium, and iron, which are all super important for a healthy body.
Read also: The Four Best Teas To Cleanse The Lymphatic System
