Ah, the smell of Evergreens … This is a scent that can transport you to a winter landscape. Even if you live in a tropical place like us, there are ways you can feel like you’re on a mountain overlooking snow-covered trees.
My latest favorite is crystallized Spruce needles and with those, Spruce Syrup!
As part of the Spruce Exploration Deep Dive in the Atlantic Aromatic Library, I crystallized some real Spruce tips and made a simple syrup with them. (If you don’t have any Spruce trees near you, you can order them from a beer supplier here.) I imagined I was a homesteader or wilderness person, wishing to preserve the feeling of Spruce, the smell of winter into a simple syrup—since I don’t have maple trees to tap. It’s been the best addition to my water.
DIRECTIONS:
A simple syrup is just sugar and water together in a 1:1 ratio. So, I boiled water and added the sugar till it dissolved, as I did for the crystallization project. I immersed the remaining Spruce sprigs, wood, and needles, along with the rest of the sugar mix I had used. Simmering on the stove, I kept it on low so I wouldn’t lose the essential oils. I must say it smelled like something delicious was cooking! After a few hours, I had to add more water as it thickened! So I added more water and left it overnight in the fridge. Then I simmered it again the next day till it smelled perfect and was the right consistency.
Once it cooled, I strained out the spent needles and let it cool further before decanting it into my bottle.
I now use it to flavor and sweeten my daily water glasses.
Watch Sylla share why she loves her Spruce syrup so much.
First, I add some warm water in the bottom of a large tumbler. Then I add about a tablespoon of syrup, mixing it and adding ice. Finally, I top it off with room-temperature distilled water (my choice).
There are many ways to use this simple syrup! It could be used in hot tea. It could also be caramelized till it’s thick and brown—to be drizzled over desserts … The uses are endless.
I already know I should have made more …
Have you ever crystallized an Evergreen? How do you like to use it? Tell us all about it below!
this is actually Great !!! Thank you so much for posting these kind of new inspirations xx .. please do let us know if ones wants to use honey instead ? I mean how to infuse the plant in honey ? is it a simple technique of just pouring honey in a jar and put the plant in and let it sit ? Thank you again I am so delighted about these new inspirations in the inner Sanctum xx love it.
Hi Annemarie! We’re thrilled you are loving the new Inner Sanctum format. It’s all thanks to the feedback we got. It’s important for us to make something that keeps on inspiring, educating, and helping you use your oils. As far as the honey, I’m pretty sure that’s what mom did, just pour the honey over and let it sit. But I’ll make sure she lets you know the specifics on here. : )
YES Annemarie, on the honey, just put the spruce in there and let it sit! Mine is still in there from last month but it should be done now. I cannot get enough spruce now I am addicted. I need to find a permanent source!!!
Thank you so much for posting this. I can’t wait to make some of the syrup! I am on the email list to be notified when the company you listed gets a fresh batch picked next month. One question, if I were to make a large batch, can the syrup be frozen in smaller batches? I absolutely love what you two ladies are doing and make learning all about EOs, etc., so much easier for me. With having two grown daughters myself, I can relate with your fun mother/daughter relationship! Thanks, Rachel
Hi Rachel!! I loved it so much I used the rest of the crystalized spruce and made more! I dont know if you can freeze syrup? otherwise as long as its sealed well, fill the jars to brim to make less air they should last. My big batch, several cups i keep in a jug on counter. It does want to crystalize but can simply be reheated! And Thank YOU for your feedback, we are just merrily doing our thing and hope people learn and enjoy!!! So thank you for taking the time to say so! Sylla