When we see the light green or yellow pine buds breaking through the needles of the pine trees, we see their beauty, but do we remember that they are also full of healing properties?
And it is from them that pine bud syrup is made. Our grandmothers knew how to prepare it.
As a matter of fact I know it too from my grandma and my Mum, so when my children were small and used to get cold quite frequently, my home made pinebud syrup was a delightful treat for their coughs and catarrh.
I think I'll have to go and pick some buds and make pine syrup again this year, it's so delicious!

RECIPE:
You need to harvests these pine buds in May (only half of the bud to let the rest grow and make the tree branches even thicker), cut into smaller pieces and store them in glass jars in cold place for a few weeks.
They should be sweetened with layers of sugar or even better - honey, and these ingredients naturally increase its effectiveness in treating colds.
When syrup is ready you need to filter it and put into dark glass bottles, which may be also pasteurized for better safety.

May Challenge 2010 "Memories"