Spruce shoots

A bit of a favorite in the spring is spruce shoots.

 It is not only good but contains a lot of vitamin C, which is nice after a long and cold  winter. Some also say that spruce shoots can counteract pollen allergy or at least hold back some of the worst. I have never seen any scientific evidence of this, but I am sure it can work. I myself am allergic to pollen so will test this year if it gives any effect.
To see if they give effect, I want to exclude the very medications I otherwise get for runny nose and itching in the eyes.

When picking spruce shoots, you also have to be aware that these are not part of the right of public access,  you have to ask the landowner for permission. I also usually never pick at the top of spruces but down the trunk. And dont take all on the tree because it need it to grow.

There are more good things you can use the tender shoots for. Another favorite is to have them finely chopped in what I call medieval salad. Usually also a popular feature to offer to a barbecue. To the extent that I get to pick, I usually save spruce shoots in the freezer. The food is excellent. If you freeze them immediately after picking/ cleaning, they also retain their high content of vitamin C. Below the recipe page there are recipes for spruce shoots and medieval salad.

Try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

When I was little, my mother made this drink, she even fried spruce shoots that she caramelized easily. My mother served this to roast chicken as a snack, actually really tasty.
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This recipe is also available under the recipe folder. Keep in mind that now during the end of March and during April, a lot of goodies are starting to sprout in our nature. Most of what comes is not only delicious but contains lots of good vitamins.
Most of them can also be frozen.

More on this will come in April-May.

/ Åsa