happy wintertime ~ we have had all kinds of weather, snow and frigid temperatures. sure makes for a beautiful winter wonderland. i do miss the wildcrafting of summer, and i came across a susun weed article about pine vinegar. and i thought how perfect. so i grabbed my skis and hit rails to trails. so much beauty along the way
this was my first ski of the season, and it was lovely. i am getting ready to escape with my girlfriends this weekend, on a little ski adventure. there were several pines along the way, however along the rails part i did notice that it had been sprayed for noxious weeds.......arg. whoever did it left little noxious weed control flags about. and they really stick out in the snow, so i kept skiing until i didn't see anymore flags.
what a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. grateful everyday to enjoy this corner of montana. then i found the tree, it was so magical and giving of its medicine.
i loved hanging out with this tree, something i have started doing before i harvest, is connect with the plant. making sure they are cool with sharing, its going well. similar to a yoga intention i just connect and ask to harvest. i like it, feels good. i collected a bag of needles and away i went.
back at the hacienda ~ making pine vinegar. now i must say that i have not tried the vinegar yet, because i made it today. i was thinking it would be good to share this fabulousness in case you are eager to harvest something. but i did a lot of research, and most pines are not poisonous. so wherever you are on this globe, chances are pine is available. make sure you identify correctly, maybe check a few sources, as yew and juniper need to be avoided. you can also harvest it year round, which also makes it a perfect wintertime treat. to make the vinegar is simple, place pine needles in a clean glass jar,and fill with apple cider vinegar. place a breathable cloth over it secure with a rubber band, and place in a sunny window for 6 weeks. stain and bottle. i am always making vinegar, so i have a steady rotation going. today i strained off my rosehip vinegar for instance.
i use vinegar daily, on salads, beans, potatoes, good stuff. plus they provide several vitamins and minerals. the pine vinegar also contains ample vitamin c, truly a perfect wintertime tonic. here is a past blog post i wrote about wintertime tonics. not only can you make edible vinegar, pine makes excellent cleaning vinegar. same process only i cap the lid, shake often, and use white vinegar.
i gave up cleaning supplies years ago, i really am a simple girl. vinegar works well on almost anything in the house. after a few weeks i strain and put in a spray bottle. not to mention is costs cents on the dollar, to make cleaning vinegar, and you know its not harmful to yourself, children, or pets. here is a past post about cleaning vinegars. the pine vinegar is on the right, the left is spruce and cranberry. every few weeks or so i get a batch going, so that one is always ready for me when i need it. green blessing everywhere. i really encourage you to eat wild food, its good for you. may you have a blessed holiday season, and may you be well. namaste.
Comments
Post a Comment