Spruce sprouts 

The young shoots of spruce are called spruce sprouts. In the early summer, the light-green spruce sprouts almost look like Christmas decorations on the trees. The best time to collect spruce sprouts is when they are still light-coloured, soft and about 2–3 centimetres in size. 

Spruce sprouts have been used as a medicinal plant for millennia. In the Stone Age, our ancestors liked to chew spruce resin. Spruce sprouts have been used to relieve cough. The essential oils in spruce sprouts help loosen mucus and relieve inflammation. The active substances of spruce sprouts can be absorbed through steam inhalation, for example. The antiseptic effects of spruce were well known to the people of yesteryear, which is why spruce was also used in the past to refresh indoor air. 

In food and beverages, fresh spruce sprouts give off an elegant, woody, slightly citrusy aroma. Young sprouts can simply be washed and added to salads, fish courses or vegetarian dishes. In chicken dishes, they give off a pleasant herbal and citrusy aroma. They also serve as a wonderful flavouring for desserts and drinks. They can be sprinkled on sandwiches or in bread dough. Spruce sprouts also lend a strong flavour to soups, sauces and stews. Fresh spruce sprouts can be frozen for later use. The sprouts can also be dried. 

Spruce sprouts can be used to make tea, which is recommended to relieve a cough. To make tea, add a couple of tablespoons of young sprouts to half a litre of hot water. Let the tea steep for 5–10 minutes, pour it through a strainer and sweeten with honey. 

Spruce sprouts are rich in vitamin C, containing about 48 mg per 100 g. In the past, people used to eat spruce sprouts to prevent vitamin C deficiency. Spruce sprouts also have a high carotene content. In addition, they are rich in minerals, flavourings and flavonoids that act as antioxidants. One important substance derived from spruce is lignan, the isolation of which and its significance in cancer prevention are currently an interesting topic of research. 

Spruce sprouts are a popular ingredient among small businesses, resulting in various products, such as spruce drinks, spruce sprout syrup, liqueur, jellies, sauces and marmalades, as well as tea. 

Important to note

Collecting spruce sprouts and fir twigs is not included in Everyone’s Rights. You will need the landowner’s permission. Do not use spruce sprouts if you have asthma or whooping cough. Spruce can cause allergic symptoms.