Published on December 26, 2024 at 5:08 p.m.
Smoked oysters with pine, coconut mousse – © Grégoire Kalt
Ecological actions are also on the table. Instead of throwing away our Christmas tree, let’s use it for delicious recipes.
The day after the holidays, are you wondering what to do with that tree in your living room (or entryway)? Are you feeling nostalgic and want to keep the Christmas spirit alive a little longer? One solution: become one with your tree! As ? Testing its aromas.
The tree, protagonist of the magic of Christmas
Christmas is no more, but its spirit is still present, embodied in the tree that usually continues to stand proudly in the living room days or weeks after December 25. We often refuse to take it off quickly, probably out of nostalgia or fear that Christmas has passed forever.
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 placing 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, but I have seen other species and not all of them are edible. Furthermore, regarding pesticides, since Christmas trees are not intended for food consumption at the time of their sale, it is necessary to check whether the quantities of residues of phytosanitary products are measured and whether these may represent a health hazard. human”, indicates Léa Marcilly, Ecologist and phytosociologist. Yes, if pine, fir and spruce are completely edible, two species of conifers must be absolutely prohibited from the plate: yew and cedar, which are toxic to humans if ingested.
Eating fir: an ally for health?
As with non-organic fruits, you should be careful. It is preferable to choose to consume them, fir trees that have been grown respecting the environment such as the organic Nordmann fir tree (in conversion). They are not treated. According to the florist Désirée, these trees are “free of pesticides”, with a reasonable contribution of natural fertilizers so as not to contaminate groundwater and in a nursery conscious of the soil and its environment (plots surrounded by hedges to protect the hills from landslides due to the intensive exploitation of Christmas trees). This ecological alternative would allow you to cook your tree safely (and also respect the environment).
Otherwise, if there is a possibility, choose a barren spruce nicknamed the “wild one.” This tree grows in the forest, without pesticides.
In addition, consuming fir would have benefits. Perfect for spending the winter, it would be a good anti-inflammatory and natural antiseptic.
Aromatic and tasty recipes from starter to dessert.
No more guilt, the tree will make the most of it, from the drink to the dessert and your dishes.
For your drink ideas: lemonade, cocktail (with spruce liqueur, for example) or infusions.
In desserts: ice cream and sweets will be a perfect receptacle for the woody aroma of the tree. A fir cream will give you the feeling of being at the North Pole with the elves.
For seasoning: fir vinegar.
And in savory dishes, the needles will serve as decoration and add flavor to your grilled meats or to your dishes that require a maceration process such as gravlax salmon and its variations with other fish.
As a bonus, the needles are a lovely decoration to add to your dishes.
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 and Pine Moss
© Grégoire Kalt
Discover the recipe for Smoked Oysters with pine and coconut mousse
Furthermore, a recipe book offers 30 recipes that place the tree at the center of the menu.
Julia Georgallis, chef 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 turning as green with rage as the Grinch. This way you will combat the sometimes serious ephemerality of the holidays.