Edible Plants: Pine Pollen

[@chilimuffinsound]

I love the way you show and tell! So much joy and so much humor. A natural born teacher^^ We have PinussSylvestris up here, in stead of the Pinus strobus, I've done some research and found it is possible to eat the very young cones, and make tea on the young needles, too. I'm excited to try when the first cones come. Thank you for another great video!

[@thederb720]

+Akilla Matters I was an art teacher for 35 years--guess I still want to keep on imparting knowledge...

[@Humble-Daniel]

The eastern white pine is such a beautiful tree. It's uses are endless. I'm going to try some pine pollen this year. Thank you for this awesome video. I'm going to buy your books soon.

[@thederb720]

Yes it is magnificent & so delicate. It has so much to offer...

[@christinederby8305]

I just discovered this. I'm fascinated with foraging, thank you so much for the wonderful lesson.

[@thederb720]

There's so much to be discovered--look around you-there's delicious food everywhere. Good luck on your journey of discovery.

[@shaunnmunn5823]

For 20 years we've had a huge white pine. Surprised at the health benefits you described! Always safe, for we never spray or add chemicals to our property. Plenty for both of us! Thank you for this great info! Just harvested 4 cups pollen buds. So many left one can't tell any gone. Now to wait for pollen!!! We've enjoyed buds in salads. Love the citrus/herb/pine flavor. Look forward to pollen enhanced baked goods. Please share more pine possibilities! Again, thank you! Your video is the BEST in the web!

[@IntuitiveWarrior2024]

Beautiful video thankyou. I have many pines here on my property in New Zealand and have been out gathering today.

[@TheCrunchyCow]

Oh my gosh... You are precious, a gift to this world. Be my grandma. More seriously, very informative, loved it!

[@thederb720]

Thank you for the compliment- the moe "grandchlildren" I have the better--ha!!!:)

[@HaphazardHomestead]

I've collected a lot of male cones and pine pollen over the years, but have always processed everything to the sifted pollen, and then put that in the freezer. I've never thought about just freezing the cones directly. It's going to be really handy to do that. Thanks!

[@thederb720]

GIve it a try--it's easier than processing the pollen. i do both.

[@HaphazardHomestead]

@@thederb720 Thanks for reminding me about freezing the immature cones. I' collected pollen just yesterday, but there were a lot of immature cones around. I'll get some today and freeze them. It's a good thing different trees mature at different times, and differ on the sunny and shady sides, too. Summer smoothies, coming up! Happy foraging!

[@thederb720]

@@HaphazardHomestead My pine trees aren't ready yet so I've been collecting pollen from some big fat Norway Spruce male cones. They're a beautiful maroon color & shed very little pieces, so sifting the powder from them is easy.

[@TheUniverseWorksForUsBeings]

Hello, Dear. I am from the future from when you posted this video 8 years ago. Thank you so much for making this very detailed video on harvesting, and using the pine pollen. Yours is very detailed,where others not so much. I appreciate you...sending gratitude.

[@thederb720]

Hello back...so appreciative that you took the time to comment-you've made my day...

[@jeffreyknieser7490]

Thank you so much for creating this video. I think I watched it like five times. This is my first year collecting white pine pollen. Thanks again!!!

[@thederb720]

...So flattered you liked my video! I'm glad I've inspired you to try something new.

[@Susan-g3e7u]

You give such clear, helpful, useful information! Thank you so much! I am surrounded by pine and my yard is being taken over by ground nut. Thanks for telling me how to make use of these plants.

[@thederb720]

I'm glad to be of help!

[@anidiquaojala1804]

TY for the most detailed information on white pine pollen

[@thederb720]

I’m right at the end of my pollen collecting- the wind is taking it all away, much to the chagrin of people who are allergic to it.

[@littlebrookreader949]

❤️❤️❤️. You are precious! A joy to watch and hear!

[@thederb720]

Thank you so much! Positive comments like yours are what inspires me to keep on making videos.

[@ElsaRhae]

What a fabulous video!!

[@thederb720]

Thank you so much for your comment--it made my day!

[@dakotabob10]

That is very good information Blanche. I did not know that. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@jillweiser5573]

I am going to try this!!! Thank you, Jill

[@thederb720]

Glad you liked this video. As with any new food, try a little first, just to make sure there isn't an adverse reaction.

[@myagrimm4719]

This is so cool! Thank you for the amount of depth you go into on your channel without making the information overly complicated. I've learned a lot from you :)

[@thederb720]

I feel it’s important to use language that everyone can understand because sometimes scientific explanations can be confusing. thank you for your positive feedback.

[@ferngirltlc]

Your videos are great! Thank you! My pine tree just finished dropping pollen, but I've definitely got to try this next year.

[@thederb720]

Good luck! Thanks for your positive feedback.

[@cosmo9508]

I can't wait for the pine pollen season!! I love this channel, keep on making videos!! Incredible knowledge :)

[@thederb720]

Thank you! Will do tough it takes me a looong time to make them!

[@liztorres3539]

Your voice is so beautiful!! Thank you so much for teaching us!!! I am new about it... Started by going vegan and now I am so interested in this that's why I called myself "nature is free" since 2014 :) Lots of hug to you!

[@thederb720]

So pleased that I've been able to inspire you. There's so much to learn--it never ends, but it sure is fun.

[@boomboxapus]

Thanks so much, answered all my questions about the cones

[@thederb720]

Glad to be of help

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

I really appreciate your videos, especially the time you spend on proper identification!

[@thederb720]

I try to be as acurate as possible.

[@dandavatsdasa8345]

Thank you for sharing helpful and informative videos!

[@thederb720]

It's a pleasure to share with folks--especially those from all over the world that i would not reach otherwise.

[@ItsAllForMeGrog]

You are amazing and inspiring. Thank you so much for your knowledge.

[@thederb720]

+ItsAllForMeGrog I appreciate your support.

[@pamelalehto9314]

All of us should be sharing our knowledge and wisdom of everything learning from each other. You can make your own briquets with a wood press in a piece of PVC out old recycle paper, wood chips, saw dust, bark, and you can make your own charcoal by putting wood into a barrel and placing the barrel in the fire not allowing any air to get inside when it cools you've make charcoal.

[@thederb720]

There’s so many things we can do that have been lost over the years; a good reason to learn about these lost arts from eacother.

[@grlpeterson]

Just wow, lovely lady, I can't wait to use the knowledge you've shared with all of us!

[@thederb720]

Are there any other plants you're interested in learning about? I'm always looking for new subjects to cover.

[@grlpeterson]

@@thederb720 I wonder, could you cover junipers and their uses? I've only researched a native use of the berries in pemmican but would imagine there must be more uses than just that. Or maybe YOU might have a suggestion for other plant life that has a very many uses that can be applied to daily life. Gotta love those nutrient dense plants, however! Another I heard of recently is horsetail.

[@thederb720]

@@grlpeterson that would be a challenge for me as I haven’t used them- many folks use the berries in gin making but I don’t drink that beverage. There are probably other KZbinrs who have posted about how they use it; that’s the good thing about the internet-there’s usually someone who has investigated a topic that interests you. Horsetail has an ancient pedigree- they were around - and gigantic- during the time of the dinosaurs. I’m thinking of perhaps featuring clover, plaintain & other plants that folks walk over, but who knows… I’m in the process of finishing vids on Violets & a throwback one on lamb’squarters so keep an eye out for them -probably posted this March…

[@grlpeterson]

@@thederb720 Oh yes, plantains are absolutely awesome. I haven't found a very good place to get them (usually too much contaminating traffic around with disturbed soils) so when I find them in a good spot I tend to lean towards taking whatever I can get. Alot would say I was over harvesting but they come back easily enough, as well. And yes, I've heard of choke cherries in gins however, since I've been on my own spiritual journey in the most recent years, I no longer drink any alcohol at all. I guess the Spirit helped me give up the spirits! I must say, you given me a renewed sense of "hunting down" new, wild tastes in my own area to help feed my body seasonally and nutritionally as our elders did! I will definitely be watching out for any new videos you produce. Thank you again for bringing old knowledges into our brave, new world and many, many happy (and tasty) wild travels to you! May the wind always be at your back, the trail never too steep, and the berries as sweet as possible!

[@thederb720]

@@grlpeterson I just posted a video on Violets--just in time for valentine;s day & if you watch it you'll see why... I hope to post one in on Cottonwood tree in March. Good luck on your hunt; I find that being outside -even if I don't find as many edibles as I hope to--improves my mood. I can't wait for spring!

[@ChrisKunzler]

Thanks for the videos! They are as wonderful as you seem to be.

[@thederb720]

Glad you appreciate them...I try to make them informative.

[@ilagirdharwal21]

AWESOME VIDEO... THANK YOU MA'M YOUR EFFORTS AND SHARING SPIRIT VERY INSPIRING

[@thederb720]

I appreciate your compliments!

[@traciesage2113]

Lovely and inspiring, dear Blanche! I hope I do happen upon you harvesting one day. big hugs, Tracie

[@thederb720]

If you live in western MA you'll probably see me on my bike or walking, searching for the next wild treat! Thank you for your kind words...

[@Rachel-rq5ck]

Great!!! information....fun video...thank you sister

[@thederb720]

I appreciate your positive comments; green blessings!

[@paulagilley5932]

Thank you for sharing! Very interesting, thanks Becky Lewis!! 😍😘

[@thederb720]

What I like about studying plants is that I can keep on finding out new information about them--there's so much to know...

[@recordsrecords1019]

thank you. great video

[@thederb720]

Glad you liked it.

[@MrDustin713]

I found this educational, entertaining, and very funny.

[@thederb720]

Glad you liked it!

[@Jefferdaughter]

Thank you for these wonderful videos! On gathering pine pollen directly from trees - try spreading a clean sheet or tablecloth, or large sheets of paper on the ground directly under the tree. On a day with no breezes, much of the pollen will end up on the sheet. It's worth trying!

[@thederb720]

+Jefferdaughter :Or maybe I should attach a sheet onto my car as it always gets covered with pollen !

[@Jefferdaughter]

lol! Great idea!

[@aeriaglorissaint]

Amazing. Thank you. ❤

[@thederb720]

I'm getting ready to harvest some pollen--should be ready in a few days.

[@gaianeg7927]

Thank you for sharing this valuable information

[@thederb720]

...happy you found it useful

[@zigfreidbop]

Haha, love the commentary! Thanks for the great pointers :)

[@thederb720]

I try to give info that folks can use--glad you found something useful...

[@c.bradley1097]

Totally dope video!

[@thederb720]

Appreciate your enthusiasm!

[@a-aron14]

Fantastically informative - thank you!

[@thederb720]

...and thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@bredicebeauty9955]

Awesome 👏 meet you at the pines

[@thederb720]

I recall the song verse "In the pines, in the pines, where the sun don't ever shine"...but the sun does shine (sometimes) & the pollen does fly!

[@goranblazeski6941]

Thank you for the video, I learn so much from it!!!.

[@thederb720]

Glad you liked it...

[@Mahmster]

Blanche, you are adorable and I would truly love to walk with you through the pines. One thing, when you want to gather the pollen straight from the tree, instead of using your plastic bucket, next time, use a paper bag. Place it over the entire branch then pinch it shut around the branch. Bang on the branch/bag lightly a bit then remove. Ta-da! Not on hands or clothes... much! :-)Hae a great day!

[@thederb720]

+Mahmster Thanks for your compliment and advice... Sometimes I use a paper bag but pollen seems to get stuck in corners & to the side of the paper--hard to get it out. It slides off the plastic bucket surface easier, but yes, I do lose some. I think the best way is to bring the about-to pollenate male cones inside & let them sit on parchment paper--they keep producing pollen day after day. Only problem with that is determining the right time to pick them--if I'm too early, they won't pollinate--got to get them just before they start to release their powder...

[@Thefirstaquias]

Thanks. I love your videos!

[@thederb720]

+Steve Flanagan : I appreciate your support!

[@0uiallo]

Blanche, try wrapping a big paper bag (or a garbage bag) around the branches to collect the pollen instead of a bucket.. much easier!

[@thederb720]

Thanks for the hint. I've tried those methods but have found that some of the fine pollen gets stuck in the paper or onto the plastic so I do it the harder way to get every last bit!

[@Beading4perfectionists]

We need more people like you in this world :-)

[@thederb720]

Wow...thank you for such a positive comment. I’ll try to live up to what you’ve said...

[@dewaynebonds5275]

Beautiful

[@thederb720]

So pleased you liked my video!

[@SeganHealthHacker]

One of the VERY BEST testosterone boosters. THANK YOU FOR YOUR WISDOM!

[@thederb720]

...that's what people say...:)

[@donhancock332]

Rafa I've heard about that! Here in Oregon you can find pollen bearing trees everyplace. Don't spend 80$ at the natural food store.

[@darksesshomarou]

i admire you, and love all your videos. keep uploading videos please, n.n

[@thederb720]

I hope to continue sharing my encounters with edibles for fellow plant enthusiasts....

[@firstoptionhomeinspection9040]

Great information, I hope I can get some here in Florida. Thank You

[@thederb720]

Firstoption homeinspection Since you live in Florida, the time when pollen is ready is probably quite different than here in Massachusetts--perhaps it's ready in February in Florida? I have no idea…keep an eye out & hopefully you'll be able to find some where you live.

[@rebeccacorbin4150]

Thank you I will try .. I have been making pine tea . Saw those clusters and was not sure what I was looking at ..

[@thederb720]

I find that if I wear a mask while processing the pollen it helps me avoid any stray particles from getting into my nose...

[@doucetyola9366]

Thank you so much for this vidéo. I learn a lot from you!

[@thederb720]

Doucet Yola Thanks for your encouragement!

[@Andreas0705]

Very informative! I picked the bright green/yellow yesterday and thought it could dry and open up to release the pollen

[@thederb720]

it's tricky to get the cones at the right time. If they're too hard, then they won't release the pollen; they have to be somewhat soft (but not too soft!), more yellow in color than all green. Good luck.

[@soldierboyz7032]

Every helpful video. Thanks u

[@thederb720]

Mt goal is to impart useful info, so thanks for your support.

[@JustMe-gs9xi]

did i miss the benefits? pollen? thank you. never saw this done, ever thank you

[@thederb720]

I try to cover some little known uses of common plants; glad you found out some new info.

[@ChristopherFranko]

great video thanks!

[@thederb720]

Thanks for your positive comment!

[@lunapuff7099]

Very informative.. Thank you.

[@thederb720]

Glad you liked it.

[@deannecaliforniamusic]

This is great!

[@thederb720]

+Deanne California Glad you liked it.

[@kumaa.ranasinghe31]

Wow what a wonderful idea. You gave new idea for us. Greeting from Sri lanka

[@thederb720]

+Kumari Ranasinghe I'm so pleased to reach people as far away as Sri Lanka! Thank you for responding ...

[@kumaa.ranasinghe31]

Blanche Cybele Derby you are very welcome dear. I would like to collect pine nuts surround by our neighborhood , ( currently I am living in America ) but my husband said to me those trees has pesticides and reclamation water service. Therefore this produce will not be able good enough to eat. Is that true.

[@thederb720]

+Kumari Ranasinghe is there any way you could check with the local authorities to see if that's the case? I've never heard of pine trees being sprayed but maybe they are because of a water reclamation area (but WHY would pesticides be used near water???) Pine trees are very common around here & may be in your area. Perhaps there's a local park that doesn't spray or a neighbor who has one & wouldn't mine you collecting some pollen? Our pine trees here in Massachusetts don't have large enough nuts to collect so I don't do that. Are you in the Southwest?--there, the nuts of the Pinon pine are large enough to gather & are protected by a shell that has to be cracked open.The shell is rather thin, so maybe a pesticide could seep through it; I'm not sure if it would. Good luck-- I hope you find some trees to use.

[@kumaa.ranasinghe31]

Blanche Cybele Derby thank you for the great information. I do live Florida . Orlando Dr. Phillips area. Yes they have park next time I go there I will check the pine corn and let you know my progress. Until then I will check all your ideas on the KZbin . Thanks and happy thanksgiving 😀💐

[@thederb720]

Wow! It's so good good to hear from folks from around the world!

[@aurelienyonrac]

lovely, ty for sharing

[@thederb720]

Aurélien Carnoy Thanks for the compliment!--much appreciated...

[@Salvatore88ish]

What a Sweetheart Lady.

[@thederb720]

Thanks-you cheered me up with your kind comment!

[@user-jv9qz2bu1r]

Happy Pollinator.

[@thederb720]

Yes!

[@big_bee07]

Love it!

[@thederb720]

Thanks!

[@catherineclinchardhoriuchi2023]

i am deeply touched by your peaceful confident knowledge shared so happily grateful to nature .....too many trees are cut down because of so called allergies....whereas i am sure the allergene is only exposed in reaction tôthe curing properties.....of pine ......like soap makes the water lessy clearing clothes....in fact those essences ....are cut for their prize as lumber a quick profit compare to 30 /40/50 years in would take a tree to be profitable for lumber...probléme being much much much much much older trees are gone it would take an era to replace .......who ever who might be there to enjoy the fresh pure air and water cleaning those great trees provide....irremplaçable...we say in french .........pretty much like your spirited self........and why planting is épitome to being alive

[@thederb720]

How true...So many trees are felled for development. We need to need them for their beauty and their importance for wild (and human) life

[@MyDadWorksAtMarcs]

I've heard that Pinus sylverstris scotch pine was the species you wanted to use. Awesome video!

[@thederb720]

+Andrzej czar : Since white pine is local to my area I use its pollen but other pines are used as well. Scotch pine is one of them.

[@MyDadWorksAtMarcs]

Gotchya, can I use pollen from firs and spruce?

[@thederb720]

+Andrzej czar : Yes you can-- I use spruce pollen (See my YT video on spruce); also have used fir pollen too. Just don't use any from Yew ("Taxus")

[@stella9846]

How do you clean the cones l live on the main st thanks will wait for you answer??????

[@thederb720]

Rewatch the video--at 6:49in, I show how i process the cone pollen and sift out any particles--i assume that's what you meant by cleaning them...

[@marthasanabria5935]

Hello! I have a question. How many young cones can I add to my smoothie? TIA

[@thederb720]

I'd start out with two or three to see how they affect you and the flavor of the drink. Then if you fine feel after a day or two, you can add a few more. You want to make sure you're not allergic to them--always be cautious when adding a new food to eat.

[@marywhore1]

Great video! You store the sifted pollen in the freezer at all times? I just harvested some for the first time!

[@thederb720]

Yes, I do. I want to make sure that it doesn't go rancid. It keeps in the freezer for months. It remains powdery.

[@joybickerstaff194]

Morning Blanche, I read one comment about you having books for sale, are they about wild edibles and with beautiful detailed pictures? If so how much do they cost and how do I buy them? Do you Have a list of the books? You’re awesome Blanche and I am so glad, so happy I came across your channel you are very detailed and I’ll like that, thank you very much have a good day !!!

[@thederb720]

Yes, I do have books for sale. At the end of each of my YT videos (on this one it's @ 9:22) is my website, which shows my books. My books are NOT field guides though my illustrations are realistic/whimsical so most likely you could id a plant from them; no, my books are about my personal stories about plants, along with recipes for them. Not sure I can print out a website here but I'll try (Notice i've written out the words for "." and"/"): wwwdottagyeritdotcomslashfreefooddothtm Thank you for your positive comments--I DO appreciate that you find my videos useful.

[@tmomenat6093]

Thanks a lot for sharing, I apreciate very much too your way to present plants, it is so clear and sincere. In this video, i wonder about the frozen jars do you keep them in glass jars in the freezer or... Blessings, tb

[@thederb720]

+momenat momenat I put pollen in glass jars in the freezer & so far it's worked out. I prefer glass--but sometimes the glass doesn't work out--it cracks on the bottom. So I also use plastic bags for other things.

[@Jefferdaughter]

Aside from the horrific damage and contamination of the environment caused by the manufacture, use, and disposal of plastic... many (mosgt? all?) leach, outgass, or transfer via contact synthetic chemisals. I prefer to avoid plastic as much as possible, and especially avoid food contact with possible.

[@Jefferdaughter]

Interesting that you have had glass jars crack in the freezer when holding only dry powder, like pine pollen. We freeze even liquids in glass, but don't fill to the top, and tilt the jar while freezing to prevent cracks in the jar from the expansion of the water in the liquid. Almost never have a problem, and never have from powder. (We store things like flour in the freezer sealed in glass to maintain freshness.) Thank you for all your wonderful videos!

[@thederb720]

The jars have never cracked when i had dry things in them like pine pollen; they cracked when i cooked fruit in a water bath, cooled it down then placed it in the freezer.. This didn't happen a lot. I realized the jars that broke were all the same type & I've stopped using them. i always store my pollen in glass. Good idea about tilting the jars ( although I always leave room at the top for expansion.)

[@MegaMackproductions]

Weird question but can you use the female cones for Jam?

[@thederb720]

Maybe if they're VERY small and soft??? They seem to be large even when young. I really don't know-maybe experiment & see?

[@plantera5542]

I remember my friend ate a male cone and she said it tasted like plastic. BTW I herd you can put the female cones in heat, peel the seeds and grind them. Reply what happens plz.

[@thederb720]

There are many kinds of pine trees; perhaps the male cones she ate were from one that wasn't very good. The seeds of many female cones are too small to bother with. The best ones are from the Pinyon Pine here in the southwestern USA which produce pine nuts. There's also trees in Asia, North Africa, and Europe ( Spain, Portugal, Italy) that produce these nuts as well . They're sometimes called "pignolias." I've never used heat to release the seeds; I just shake the cones--but yes, I've heard about using heat to do that. seed covering nedds to be removed, then they can be ground in a blender. They're oily.

[@sage1387]

@@thederb720 I can shed some light on the use of heat. Fire-adapted species of pine trees (such as the native varieties here in the chapparal of southern California) have female cones which are shut quite tight. Fire causes them to open and disperse their seeds. In the absence of this heat, one would have to resort to prying open the scales, or whittling it down with a knife.

[@thederb720]

I wonder how many female cones are opening due to the awful fires that many Californians are experiencing this year (so sorry for all the folks who've been displaced)...a controlled campfire is a much gentler way to get them to open...

[@thederb720]

Which pine did she eat the male cone from? There are several different species so taste can vary. Female cones of White Pine (which I feature here) have seeds that are too small to bother with. You may have heard about the heat technique of releasing seeds in relation to Pinyon Pine which is found in the southwest US. Its seeds are larger & worth gathering. (These are the pine nuts or pignolis found for sale in upscale markets.) There are also some other species of pines with larger seeds but unfortunately White Pine isn't one of them.

[@davidgodley521]

Do you have a recipe for making pine pollen tincher?

[@thederb720]

I've never made one...but I guess you could also use the male cones just before they pollinate; the pollen powder might not be fun to swallow when in the Vodka base so it probably has to be strained out. What I suggest is that you google how to make a pine pollen tincture. There are several KZbin videos on it.

[@donhancock332]

Can you cook the young male cones? I have this image of native Americans using them in soups and stews.

[@thederb720]

I don't see a problem with doing this with the young male cones. I've never cooked them as I use them raw in salads & for pollen.

[@jasminearabia84]

Thank you so much for the information 🙂 great story telling voice!

[@thederb720]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@Floralandgreens9528]

Hi, what is the best way to storage pollen? I recently foraged some of my own but wasnt sure how to store it. Thank you and Love your videos!!

[@thederb720]

After using a fine mesh sifter to get rid of any stray insects & fluff, I put the pollen in a jar & store it in the freezer. It keeps for months and doesn't get super hard so you don't need to defrost it ;just take a spoonful or two of whatever you need. (real easy!) If you store pollen in a pantry or the fridge, it can get moldy.

[@Floralandgreens9528]

@@thederb720, thank you so much! Much appreciated!! Happy foraging

[@thederb720]

@@Floralandgreens9528 Glad to be of help!

[@angelaness3129]

I have asthma and bronchitis will I be able to drink the tea and be around the polen because I'm allergic to polen

[@thederb720]

Allergic reactions to pine pollen is less common but I would be very cautious about using it since you have asthma, bronchitis & allergies.I'm not a medical professional so I always suggest a more conservative approach to using new foods. However, you might try nibbling on 1 or 2 of the young male cones BEFORE they begin shedding their pollen (they're not soft at that point--they're full of vitamins & minerals.) Wait a day to see how you react. Perhaps that would one way to reap the benefits of pine without annoying side effects.

[@DavidNance-gn2ly]

Is any pine tree good to get pine pollen? I have a pine tree in my backyard?

[@thederb720]

I think all pine trees are ok --I've used other species other than the White ones tho' I've heard Ponderosa Pines are a bit tricky.

[@shakespeareswingman]

💋 we didn't learn the name of your furry friend who enjoys the bounty of the pine cones.

[@thederb720]

That was Meadow who sadly passed on a few years ago.

[@Jaxdia0000001]

CAn you use other pines and firs? I know you can chew on the dry pitch of MOst pine trees.. And eat the pith of pines and firs.. I usually buy it. NOW I can harvest it on my own... YEEEEEEES.

[@thederb720]

I use other pines & firs. Just don't use anything from Yew ("Taxus baccata").

[@zuditaka]

I get hayfever, but I found eating pine pollen didn't do me any harm or cause an allergic response. So there's obviously pollen and pollen. (Didn't the American Indians eat pine pollen for strength, stamina and vigour?) I heard you have a weed called ragweed in Boston, where my brother was staying. The pollen in the air from ragweed was so bad it actually made his face swell up. I am glad it's not a weed here, down under! Nice informative video you made Blanche. ;)

[@thederb720]

I checked out your video on the Canary Island Pine & was astounded at how large their male pollen cones are--how easy it would be to collect pollen from them! My pine pollen cones are so tiny compared to the ones you showed. I've read that the Native Americans did indeed use pollen for stamina & now several of websites claim it has energetic powers for people today--especially men. Oh yes, we have ragweed here in Massachusetts & many people suffer from its pollen.Luckily I'm not one of them. (I've heard that some people recommend a homeopathic remedy that contains ragweed to help combat the allergy…)

[@myfrugalraggylife7104]

How long will the pollen keep if not frozen ? i,e. just in a jar ?

[@thederb720]

I'm not sure as I Immediately freeze it (in a jar). It stays powdery even when frozen. The reason I do this is that I collect cattail pollen as well and at first I put it in a jar & didn't freeze it. It got moldy & I don't want that to happen with the pine pollen. If you plan to use it within a week or so, I suppose it might be ok, but since the pollen season is so short I want to keep some to use when it's no longer available to forage so I freeze it.

[@myfrugalraggylife7104]

Thank you for your prompt reply. I understand now, I didn't realise it stayed powdery when frozen, so that is what I will do. I've been out today and got my first lot ! Kind regards from UK

[@amyhoang9140]

Blanche Cybele Derby I think you can put a piece of bread in the jar so that it absorbs the moisture, or save the white packages in your medicine bottles for this purpose . This way you can save the freezer space for something else. Just my 2 cents.

[@grandwonder5858]

Are all pine pollens edible or just white pine pollen?

[@thederb720]

I've collected pollens from other pines & used them. I've heard that Ponderosa Pine (which in not located in the northeast US ) is not recommended. I've collected pollen from Spruce, Fir, Ash, eastern Cottonwood and Cattail as well. Do not use pollen from Yew--several parts of it are poisonous & the pollen might be...

[@grandwonder5858]

@@thederb720 Okay, thanks for the advice! I appreciate your response very much!

[@unsimkim2064]

make pollen cake. when I was little girl growing up in s Korea.they are good.

[@thederb720]

Hmmm...sounds interesting. What other ingredients did you use?

[@yolomcswagginz1034]

If you put a garbage bag around the pine tree, you can collect more. It's a pain to get the thing around the tree and I don't like getting the pollen out of the bag so I decide to just pick the catkins

[@thederb720]

That’s what I often do- then I put the catkins on parchment paper & they shed their pollen without getting it all over me…

[@arleenhunt856]

Can I purchase some of your pine pollen?

[@thederb720]

Sorry...but I'm don't run a retail business & don't sell pine pollen. I believe there several Internet sites that do but the best thing--if possible-- is to locate pine trees near you & collect your own.

[@arleenhunt856]

@@thederb720 thank you!🌱☘🌾

[@tptptptp8027]

Can you eat the male cones whole?

[@thederb720]

Yes, they're fairly small . if you eat them when they're not all soft & ready to pollenate, they'll be easier to chew.

[@timfoinc.6879]

If we use plastic bags to get it,we do not lose much to air but in bags.

[@thederb720]

I find pollen sticks to the sides of plastic bags. That's why I collect the cones as they just begin to soften. I bring them home before they start to release their pollen; that way, they'll get ready to shed their powder on parchment paper.

[@salmanuman5860]

👍🌹

[@thederb720]

:)

[@retiredshitposter1062]

Based tree lady.

[@thederb720]

??

[@timfoinc.6879]

I will mix with maple + honey syrup( Walmart) instantly.

[@thederb720]

Sounds intriguing.

[@paulmudreac5784]

I am allergic to pollen. Not allergic to pine pollen! I have identified linden, elder and rapeseed as some of the culprits.

[@thederb720]

Isn't that mysterious --how one pollen is ok and others not so...It's important to check out which ones are not ok.

[@socloseagain4298]

Hello nice video! May I ask what time of the year the Pine Pollen is available to be harvested from the trees? We have a forest nearby but the catkins aren't spreading any pollen yet when I touch them. Is it too early, or too late?

[@thederb720]

Where do you live? Here in Massachusetts USA the pollen has already started to be available. The white pines are just beginning to form their male cones. You have to watch them almost daily--one day they are too firm, then the next they're too soft! They don't all ripen at the same time; cones near the top of the tree --where they get more sun--usually are ready before ones on the lower branches. I've already collected pollen from other species of pines. White pine is usually the last to happen. Probably I'll start collecting it by the end of this week depending on how warm it gets.

[@socloseagain4298]

I live in Bulgaria, which is in southeastern Europe, but here we usually notice the pollen spreading literally everywhere around us every year, it was only until recently I found out about the wonders of the pollen! So far this year this hasn't happened yet so I can guess it's only too early? I will definitely keep an eye on the catkins on a daily basis ( I think that when they are easily being "puffed" and pollen is spreading is the correct/best/easiest time to collect the pollen )? I hope I I don't want to miss the pollen!

[@thederb720]

I've been collecting pollen for several years now & it's a real challenge to get it at the right time! If the cones are too soft, then most of the pollen will have dispersed. You have to get them when they're just starting to get soft but aren't super firm. You can collect pollen in a container in the field--then the soft ones can release their pollen into the container, but I prefer to bring the almost-soft ones home, place them on parchment paper & let them shed there. That way I don't get pollen all over me plus the cones keep on shedding for several days. Keep looking & trying!

[@socloseagain4298]

Okay thanks for the information, will do!

[@cruzcruz9657]

😙🙏💞☝❤💪

[@thederb720]

Thanks for all the compliments!!

[@plantera5542]

I only have girl trees

[@thederb720]

Both male and female flowers can be found on white pines. In the spring, pollen from the small male cones pollinates the female cones. Wind helps the pollen from the male cones to land on the female cones. The reason you think you may only have girl trees is that after the male cones pollinate, they disintegrate--they're no longer there! So... all that's left are the female cones which grow into the familiar large cones. These are much more obvious than the short-lived male cones. The female cones stay on the tree for a long time; the males don't.

[@scottporter4524]

At 1:00 did you say SAUCES or SOURCES??? LOL... Sorry, I can't help making fun of Yankee's and their accents. So, are ALL pines pollen edible in the U.S.? Assuming the answer is yes, or hope so at least.

[@thederb720]

It's "sources" --and I'm used to folks making fun of my "Bawston" accent (which really isn't as obvious that as some Bostonians:) The only pine that I know of that may be problematic is Ponderosa which is found out west. I believe the pollen of all others is ok.

[@jz3953]

Males...

[@thederb720]

funny...

[@t-mac6210]

I want to collect some pine pollen but I'm afraid of turning into a liberal

[@thederb720]

Huh???