Tradition & History
Traditional Usage & Medicinal Beliefs
Pine has been used around the world for millennia – both as a valuable food source, in traditional medicine - and even as a sealant! Liquid pitch and pine needles were used to make poultices for wounds, bruises, sprains and infections; tea brewed from pitch, bark and green branches was used to treat everything from sore throat, coughs and colds to TB and digestive issues, both as a tonic and a purgative.
The distinctive aroma and resinous sap of the Pine has played a significant role in traditional medicine around the world by many cultures, who believe it has significant healing properties. It has been used to treat respiratory ailments by creating salves or inhaling the vapor. Additionally, Pine is employed in spiritual ceremonies, believed to cleanse and purify the mind, body, and spirit.
Many traditional practices use Pine to improve overall health and treat wounds and fight illness. These cultures also incorporated Pine Syrup into their recipes, bringing this subtle, unique flavour to their tables. For many generations in countries like Italy (shown here in an artists imagining) and Romania, it was not unusual to find Grandmothers making their own Pine Syrup, either as a remedy or as a precious ingredient for their kitchen. These age-old practices continue to inspire us to explore the vast potential of nature's offerings and preserve the contribution of Pine to culture and cuisine!
On Turtle Island
The Indigenous cultures of Turtle Island developed their own techniques for making Pine Syrup, from the cones, bark and needles of different varieties, and sometimes by making a hollow within a tree to collect sap. This would be gathered, and used to create Pine Syrups with a sweet and caramel-like flavor. This syrup was utilized as a valued sweetener in beverages, as a glaze for meats and vegetables, as a natural remedy and in spiritual practices.
This image is an artists imagining of Haida women among the beautiful Kayd Sitka Spruce trees, which have been valued for generations. Used traditionally for waterproofing baskets, to provide fish hooks and as a valued medicine - today, Evergreens like the Sitka Spruce are appreciated for what they bring to the table. Having both woodsy and fruit flavours, this versatility lends itself to desserts, savoury dishes and cocktails.
Learn more about the use of Sitka Spruce, including some great cocktail recipes, here: https://www.haidatourism.ca/news/recipe-sprucetip-cocktails
Throughout Europe
In Europe, Pine also served practical purposes in wound healing and as a sealant, while also being a prized culinary ingredient. Many traditional cultures in Europe from Romania to Scotland embraced Pine’s medicinal properties and incorporated Pine Syrup into their long loved recipes. These age-old practices continue to inspire us to explore the vast potential of nature's offerings and preserve the contribution of Pine to culture and cuisine!