Ingredients:
- 1-2 cups fresh pine needles (make sure they are from a non-toxic pine tree)
- 5 cups water
- 1 cup sugar (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions:
- Prepare the Pine Needles: Wash the fresh pine needles thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Chop the needles into smaller pieces to help release their flavor.
- Make the Pine Needle Tea: In a large pot, add the pine needles and water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The water will turn a light green color as the pine needles release their flavor.
- Sweeten the Tea: After simmering, strain out the pine needles and add the sugar to the hot liquid. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): For an extra burst of freshness, add the lemon juice and honey or maple syrup if desired. Stir well to combine.
- Activate the Yeast: Once the pine needle mixture has cooled, sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface of the liquid and stir gently. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
- Ferment: Pour the mixture into clean bottles, leaving some space at the top for gas expansion. Seal the bottles tightly and leave them at room temperature for 24-48 hours to ferment. The soda will begin to carbonate as the yeast consumes the sugar.
- Refrigerate and Serve: After fermentation, refrigerate the bottles to slow down the fermentation process and allow the soda to chill. Once cold, your homemade pine needle soda is ready to enjoy!
Tips:
- Be sure to use pine needles from safe, non-toxic pine trees. Avoid trees near roads or other areas where they may have been exposed to chemicals.
- If the soda isn’t fizzy enough, you can let it ferment a bit longer (but be sure to check for pressure in the bottles to avoid explosions).
- If you prefer a sweeter soda, adjust the sugar and honey quantities to taste.
- Add a splash of ginger or mint to the soda for an extra layer of flavor!
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Carbs: 15 g
- Sugars: 12 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
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