The day after the holidays, are you wondering what to do with that tree that sits in your living room (or your entryway)? Are you nostalgic and want to keep the Christmas spirit alive a little longer? One solution: become one with your tree! How ? By tasting its aromas.
The tree, the highlight of the magic of Christmas
Christmas is no more, but its spirit is still present, materialized by the tree which generally continues to proudly stand in the living room days or weeks after December 25. We often refuse to take it off quickly, certainly out of nostalgia or fear that Christmas is gone for good.
Previously we wondered how to use gingerbread spices. Today, a new question arises: can you cook your Christmas tree?
Several elements must be taken into account before putting your tree in the kitchen. “You have to think about the species you buy for your Christmas tree. Most of the time you buy a spruce tree, but I have seen other species, and not all of them are edible. Then, with regard to pesticides, as Christmas trees are not intended for food consumption when sold, it is necessary to check whether the quantities of residues of phytosanitary products are measured and whether these may present a danger to human health,” indicates Léa Marcilly, ecologist and phytosociologist. Yes, if pine, fir and spruce are completely edible, two species of conifers must absolutely be banned from the plate: yew and cedar, which are toxic to humans if ingested.
Eating fir: a health ally?
As with non-organic fruits, it is advisable to be careful. It is preferable to choose to consume them, fir trees that have grown with respect for the environment such as the Nordmann organic ecological fir tree (in conversion). They are not treated. According to the florist Désirée, these trees are “pesticide-free”, with a reasonable supply of natural fertilizers so as not to pollute groundwater and in a nursery conscious of the soil and its environment (plots surrounded by tree hedges to protect the hills from landslides due to intensive exploitation of Christmas trees). This ecological alternative would allow you to cook your tree safely (and respect the environment as a bonus).
Otherwise, if there is this possibility, choose an uncultivated fir nicknamed the “wildling”. This tree grows in the forest, without pesticides.
Furthermore, consuming fir would have benefits. Perfect for getting through the winter, it would be a good anti-inflammatory and a natural antiseptic.
Fragrant and tasty recipes from starter to dessert
No more guilt, the tree will be fully used, from the drink to the dessert and your dishes.
For your drink ideas: lemonade, cocktail (with fir liqueur for example) or herbal tea.
In desserts: ice creams and sweets will be a perfect receptacle for the woody scent of the tree. A fir cream will give the feeling of being at the North Pole alongside the elves.
For seasonings: fir vinegar.
And in savory dishes, the needles will serve as decoration and bring flavor to your grilled meats or to your dishes which require a maceration process such as gravlax salmon and its variations from other fish.
As a bonus, the needles make a charming decoration to add to your plates.
Two editorial recipes with pine to easily adapt with fir or spruce
Smoked mussels with pine needles
© Akiko Ida
Discover the recipe for Smoked Mussels with Pine Needles
Smoked oysters with coconut moss pine
© Grégoire Kalt
Discover the recipe for Smoked oysters with pine coconut mousse
Otherwise, a recipe book offers 30 recipes that put the tree at the center of the menu.
Julia Georgallis, cook and designer, wrote “How did I eat my Christmas tree? “.
By using your tree in the kitchen, the Christmas spirit will remain within you without fear of becoming as green with rage as the Grinch. You will thus combat the sometimes severe ephemerality of the festivities.
