Spruce jam: evergreen delight

Spruce tips are the young, tender shoots at the ends of spruce branches that burst forth in early spring. They are easy to pick, edible and have a range of flavours depending on their stage of maturity: herbal, fruity, citrusy, and resinous.

For centuries, spruce tips have been treasured in North American, European, and Japanese traditions for their medicinal properties and refreshing taste. They were a valuable source of vitamin C. Captain Cook famously served spruce beer to sailors to ward off scurvy.

Aside from their historic use, spruce tips are a remarkably sustainable resource. By carefully harvesting only the young, soft tips, the tree can continue to grow without harm, making this an eco-friendly foraging choice. Be mindful to take only a few tips from each tree and avoid picking from a single branch to keep the tree balanced and healthy.

Health benefits

Loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, spruce tips support immune health and respiratory wellness. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease coughs and sore throats. The tips are mildly antiseptic, making them useful for minor cuts and skin irritations in traditional remedies.

Recipe for spruce jam:

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh spruce tips

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 lemon

• a pinch of citric acid.

Method

1. Collect and rinse the spruce tips gently to remove any residue.

2. Combine water and spruce tips in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes to infuse flavours.

3. Let the mixture cool, then add the juice of 1 lemon along with the lemon rind. Leave it at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring from time to time.

4. Strain well, squeezing out as much of the spruce as possible, add the sugar and simmer until the mixture thickens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Add the citric acid and stir well. 

6. Pour the jam into sterilised jars, seal tightly, and turn them upside down to help create a vacuum seal. Once cool, store in the fridge.

 

 

This jam is a perfect addition to any sweet dish (pancakes, French toast, ice cream), but pairs surprisingly well with savoury too. Try it as a glaze for roasted vegetables for a forest-inspired twist, for example.

Enjoy a taste of spring’s freshness in every spoonful!