Pine Cones Confectionery, Unique Flavors of the Forests of Eurasia

The Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) is an evergreen coniferous tree native to northern Europe. Siberian Stone Pine (Pinus Sibirica), native to the northern Russia and the Ural Mountains, have edible seeds, harvested as pine nuts, and pine cones. Exploring Baltic States and Russia, we discover regional delicacies.  The small-sized, immature green pine cones are a primary ingredient used to make a variety of unique confectionary. The Kankorėžių Cukatai are candied pine cones with a strong flavor. Pine Cones in Syrup or Honey have a long tradition in Russia’s Siberia and the Baltic Country of Lithuania.     

Scots Pine

The Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris) is an evergreen coniferous tree native to northern Europe.  They are widely distributed throughout the forests of Eurasia, and especially abundant in the forests of Lithuania and Siberia, a region of Russia.  Scott pines feature blue-green needles and a colorful medley of flowers: yellow flowers (male) and red-purple flowers (female) that evolve into cones.  The Scots pine timber is highly valued in the construction industry while the dry cones are used in making decorative objects and Christmas decorations.

Siberian Stone Pine

The Siberian Stone Pine (Pinus Sibirica), native to the northern Russia and the Ural Mountains, have edible seeds, harvested as pine nuts, and pine cones.  The mature pine cones have a yellow-brown color and a circular shape.  For centuries, the pine cones were used in ancient medicine and crushed into a spice to flavor the food.  The pine cones collected during the spring are still green, young, soft and very small, around 1-2 centimeters long.  The pine cones are used to make a delicious confectionary.  The pine needle syrup is a unique condiment to flavor yogurt or white cheese. 

Pine Cones Confectionary

Traversing the Baltic States and Russia, we discover original regional delicacies.  The small-sized, immature green pine cones are a primary ingredient used to make a variety of unique confectionary.  The pine cones, collected from the young pine trees, are beneficial to health as they contain plenty of resinous acids, vitamins and minerals.  The Kankorėžių Cukatai are candied pine cones that are highly nutritious, fragrant and have a distinctive strong flavor.  The making of Pine Cones in Syrup, a long tradition in Siberia, is an arduous few-days process.  The pine cones are washed, mixed with sugar, then boiled in several stages for a period of time.  Pine Cones in Honey, a popular Lithuania dessert, contains young pine cones and unheated flower honey, creating a lovely combination of flavors and nutrients.  A teaspoon of pine cone honey can be used to flavor tea, yogurt or ice cream.