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  • 4 min read
  • 23.12.2024

Eating Your Christmas Tree: Making the Most of It After Christmas

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As the holiday starts to wind down along with the Christmas decorations,  it’s easy to think it’s time to say goodbye to your beloved evergreen. But before you send it off to the compost pile, have you ever thought about eating it? Yes, you can actually make use of your Christmas tree long after the decorations are down. Pine needles, in particular, are full of flavour and nutrients, and they can add a fun, festive twist to your post-holiday meals. Here are a few ways to extend the life of your tree—and treat your taste buds at the same time.

Using your Christmas tree in creative ways is not only a fun way to extend the holiday season but also a step toward sustainability. Rather than tossing your tree into the waste stream, repurposing its needles and branches reduces environmental impact and helps minimize waste. Pine needles are a renewable resource, and by incorporating them into your cooking and preserving them for later use, you’re embracing a more sustainable approach to living. Plus, making these recipes at home saves on packaging and transportation emissions, allowing you to enjoy seasonal flavours in an eco-friendly way. It’s a simple, meaningful way to connect with the natural world while reducing your environmental footprint!

One of our favourite ways to use pine needles after Christmas is in a refreshing batch of Pine Needle & Ginger Ice Cream. The fresh, citrusy zing of the pine needles pairs perfectly with the warmth of ginger, creating a unique frozen treat that’s perfect for winter. This ice cream is not only a delicious way to repurpose your tree, but it also brings a little taste of the outdoors inside and is a delightful way to end your holiday meals on a fresh, aromatic note!

If you’re in the mood for something a little tangier, Pine Needle Pickles might be just the thing. These are a great way to capture the essence of winter and preserve it for months to come. The pine needles infuse the brine with their fresh, resinous flavour, which adds a lovely complexity to your pickled vegetables. They’re perfect for adding a burst of flavour to your charcuterie boards or pairing with cheese and crackers. Ready to give it a go? Check out the recipe for these delightful pickles HERE. It’s an easy way to transform your tree into a jar of winter goodness!

For those who love to experiment with syrups and sweeteners, Pine Needle Simple Syrup is another fantastic way to use your Christmas tree. The pine needles lend a subtle, woodsy flavor to the syrup, making it a perfect addition to cocktails or even stirring into hot drinks for a comforting, seasonal touch. It’s so easy to make and lasts for weeks, so you can enjoy a little bit of Christmas tree magic long after the season has passed. Find the full recipe for this fragrant syrup HERE, and start adding a forest-fresh twist to your drinks and desserts!

Give It A Try!

Next time you’re looking at your Christmas tree, remember that it’s not just a holiday decoration—it’s a gift that keeps on giving. From the pine needle and ginger ice cream to the tangy pine needle pickles and versatile simple syrup, there are so many ways to savour the essence of your tree. Don’t let your evergreen go to waste—take the opportunity to stretch the holiday season and bring a little bit of nature’s flavours into your everyday meals.

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Meet the author
Nelly

Nelly works in the She Grows Veg marketing department and is an incredible cook! She's learning how to grow veg fast in her very own container garden. Her favourites so far are the Dwarf Sunflower called 'Sunspot' and our Dwarf Pea called 'Tom Thumb'.

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