How to Make Spruce Tips Tincture

INTRODUCTION

Making spruce tips tincture is a delightful and rewarding process. Spruce tips are the fresh, young shoots of the spruce tree that appear in the spring. They are vibrant green in color and have a unique flavor that is both aromatic and slightly citrusy. This tincture captures the essence of nature, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of spruce tips throughout the year. Spruce tips are known for their medicinal properties, including soothing respiratory issues and boosting the immune system. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own tincture right at home.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love making spruce tips tincture. First, it is easy and requires only a few ingredients. You don’t need any fancy tools or complex techniques. Second, it is a great way to enjoy the benefits of spruce tips, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Third, making tinctures is a time-honored method of preserving herbs and flavors. This tincture has a nice, woody scent and a refreshing taste, perfect for adding to drinks or using in various recipes. Finally, it connects you to nature, allowing you to gather ingredients from your surroundings or local forests, making the process even more satisfying.

HOW TO MAKE Spruce Tips Tincture

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make your spruce tips tincture, you will need a few basic items:

1. A sterilized glass jar with a tight lid
2. A strainer or cheesecloth for filtering
3. Parchment paper
4. A measuring cup
5. A clean spoon for mixing
6. Labels for your jars

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups spruce tips
• 300 ml alcohol (40 percent, like vodka or brandy)
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Gather two cups of bright green spruce tips. Make sure to pick young and tender tips, as they have the best flavor and properties. Wash them thoroughly in clean water to remove any dirt or impurities. After washing, place the spruce tips on a sheet of parchment paper to dry a bit.

2. Take the dried spruce tips and place them in a sterilized glass jar. Choose a jar that can hold all the spruce tips comfortably. Next, pour over the alcohol of your choice, like vodka or brandy, until the spruce tips are completely submerged.

3. Add one tablespoon of raw honey to the jar. The honey will add a touch of sweetness and balance the strong flavor of the spruce tips. Using a clean spoon, mix the honey and spruce tips well to ensure the honey is evenly distributed.

4. Cover the jar with a plastic lid or use parchment paper in between the lid and the glass. This helps to avoid any corrosion from the metal. Close the jar tightly to keep everything sealed.

5. Place the jar in a dark and cold place where you can see it. It is important to store the tincture in a cool area to preserve its flavors and properties. Make sure to shake the jar gently from time to time to help release the flavors from the spruce tips.

6. After waiting for 4 to 6 weeks, it will be time to strain the herbal material. Use a strainer or cheesecloth to filter out the spruce tips, allowing the pure liquid tincture to flow into another container.

7. Finally, label the jars with some basic information such as the name, date, and percentage of the alcohol you used for the tincture. This will help you keep track of your tincture and its properties.

HOW TO SERVE Spruce Tips Tincture

Spruce tips tincture can be enjoyed in different ways. You can take a few drops directly for its health benefits, or you can mix it into various drinks. Try adding it to lemonade, tea, or cocktails for a unique flavor twist. You can also use it as a flavoring agent in salad dressings or marinades. The possibilities are endless!

STORAGE & FREEZING: Spruce Tips Tincture

To store your spruce tips tincture, keep it in a cool, dark place, just like when you initially made it. A pantry or a cupboard out of direct sunlight is perfect. The tincture should last for years if stored properly. However, it’s best to use it within 1 to 2 years for optimal flavor and potency. Freezing is not recommended for tinctures because alcohol does not freeze solid. Instead, focus on keeping it in a cool, dark place.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

When it comes to serving spruce tips tincture, there are many creative options. Here are a few suggestions:

1. In beverages: Add a few drops of tincture to cocktails or mocktails for a refreshing tang.
2. In desserts: You can use it to flavor whipped cream or cake batters. It can be a great addition to ice cream too.
3. In savory dishes: Incorporate it into sauces or marinades for meat or fish to add a unique flavor.

VARIATIONS

There are several fun variations you can try with spruce tips tincture:

1. Fruit-infused: Add some chopped fruits, such as lemon or berries, to the jar with the spruce tips for a fruitier taste.
2. Herbal blend: Combine spruce tips with other herbs like mint or thyme to create a mixed herbal tincture that offers varied flavors and benefits.
3. Spicy version: Add a few peppercorns or a small piece of fresh ginger to the mix for a spicier kick.

FAQs

1. What are spruce tips?
Spruce tips are the fresh, young shoots of the spruce tree. They are bright green, tender, and have a unique flavor.

2. How do I know if my tincture is ready?
Your tincture is ready after 4 to 6 weeks of steeping in a cool, dark place. The color should change and you can smell its fragrance.

3. Can I use different types of alcohol?
Yes, you can use any alcohol with at least 40% alcohol content, such as vodka, brandy, or even rum.

4. How long can I store my tincture?
If stored properly in a cool, dark place, your tincture can last for 1 to 2 years. Its flavors and potency will be best within that time.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Spruce Tips Tincture

To make your tincture-making process smoother, gather all your materials ahead of time. Buy or harvest your spruce tips during spring, when they’re freshest. Prepare your jars by sterilizing them in advance. You could even make multiple batches with different herbs or flavors at once, saving time and effort later on. Keeping records of when you made each batch can be helpful for future reference, ensuring you always know when to check on your tincture. Enjoy the process of making and savoring your spruce tips tincture!

Print