How to make your own spruce tip jam

Jam made from Christmas tree needles is ‘a thing’ & it tastes surprisingly amazing

Do you want to know how to make jam* from spruce tree needles? We thought not – but please hear us out because this recipe from the Kitchen Vignettes blog really will change the way you feel about eating Christmas trees (it’s delicious!).  

Copyright: kitchenvignettes.blogspot.co.uk

The wonder of spruce tips

Firstly, we’re not talking the sharp, spiky needles you’re vacuuming for weeks after Christmas; this jam is made from the tiny green buds on the tips of spruce tree branches. So while they are technically bundles of needles, they are harvested at the soft, tender stage.

Secondly, if you imagine standing in a pine forest (or even at a Christmas tree stall) and breathing in the scent, you’ll recall that the spruce has a fresh and citrusy aroma. And it’s that zesty, forest flavour that makes this the perfect spread for your morning toast.

And if that wasn’t enough to tempt you, spruce tips are packed with Vitamin C – ideal for staving off those winter colds.

*The original recipe is from an American site so we’ve changed the name of the recipe from jelly to jam to avoid any confusion (this is to eat on your toast, not with ice-cream!)

Recipe - Spruce tip jam

 

What you’ll need:

  • 6 cups of edible spruce tips
  • 6 cups water
  • 2 cups cane sugar
  • 1/2 cup bottled lemon juice
  • 5 tsp Pomona's pectin
  • 1/4 cup good quality honey (optional)

NOTE:  Only use spruce tips of the edible variety suitable for consumption.

You can follow these tips if you decide to go forraging for them, or ask your tree-seller to adivise on the pestisides used on the tree farm.

Head to Kitchen Vignettes to watch the video recipe here or the PBS Food post for full written instructions.

 

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