Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Simple Survival Tips - Pine Needle Soup


Our very existence relies heavily on a foundation that is almost entirely dependent on modern forms of transportation, electricity for power, and synthetic chemicals. Should we ever suffer a major disaster or catastrophe, many people may suffer more from simple malnutrition than anything else.

One of the simplest things to help you avoid one of the basic problems of malnutrition is to have a good source of vitamin C. Most people are aware that many dark, leafy green vegetables contain significant amounts of vitamin C and usually in amounts that are 5 to 6 times that found in lemons or oranges. But where do you find a source that is available year-round, including winter, and can be procured almost anywhere in North America?

The answer can be found in the simple pine tree. Pine trees are in a class known as “evergreens” and can be a significant source 365 days a year. They are generally resistant to the effects of drought and have few natural enemies to affect their growth. They are also very widespread throughout most parts of North America. This gives you a significant source that will be around when you need it!

By making a simple soup (or tea) from pine needles you can have a significant source of vitamin C. A small handful of fresh, green pine needles chopped and steeped in a cup of boiling water will furnish you with most of your daily vitamin C requirements. Pine needle soup is also quite tasty but the flavor will depend upon the variety of pine tree you have available in your area. You should also use the lighter colored, new growth at the end of the needles for best results. It can also be flavored with a dab of honey. It has another great benefit for you as well. Pine needle soup also makes an excellent antiseptic wound wash.

Got pine needles?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Darn, good idea. I should have thought aboout planting a pine tree or two in my yard before, thanks for the great tip Riverwalker.

riverwalker said...

To: anon 7:34

There also a great number of smaller. indoor varieties that can be kept inside as house plants.

Thanks anon!

RW

Ken said...

...Thanx RW...the ol'pinetree's definitely underrated huh ?

Anonymous said...

Need to add this to the list. Thanks for the tip.

See Ya

riverwalker said...

To: Ken

Pine trees are great for more than just lumber...some species like the pinion pine also have good nuts that are edible.

Thanks Ken!

RW

riverwalker said...

To: Did It My Way

There are a lot of common everyday items that have a wide variety of uses...just helps to know what those uses are.

thanks.

RW

Anonymous said...

Anyone tried Rosemary?

Anonymous said...

My great grandfather ate soup made from pine needles while imprisoned at Bergen Belsen. It kept him alive just long enough to escape by a prisoner transfer.

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