Put little green pine cones to use in this syrup beloved by chefs worldwide
Mugolio, also known as pine cone syrup or fir cone syrup, is a traditional Italian delicacy made from young, green pine cones. The syrup has a unique and aromatic flavor that pairs well with various dishes and desserts.
Here's a simple recipe for making mugolio at home:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
* Fresh spruce tips can be used in place of little green pinecones.
Here's a simple recipe for making mugolio at home:
Ingredients:
- Fresh pine buds (make sure they are clean and free from pesticides)
- Granulated sugar
- Water
Instructions:
- Harvesting Pine Buds
- The first step is to collect fresh, young pine buds*. It's essential to make sure you're harvesting from a pine tree that is free from any harmful chemicals or pollution.
- Preparing the Pine Buds
- Clean the pine buds gently to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a soft brush or rinse them lightly under cold water.
- Creating the Infusion
- Take a clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Fill the jar with the cleaned pine buds, leaving some space at the top.
- Cover the pine buds with granulated sugar. The general ratio is about 1 part pine buds to 2 parts sugar by weight.
- Seal the jar with the lid.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 2 to 3 months. This allows the pine buds to infuse into the sugar syrup fully. Be sure to roll the concoction around in the jar regularly (at least once a week).
- Straining and Bottling
- After the infusion period, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container. This will remove the pine buds and any impurities, leaving you with a clear syrup.
- Discard the used pine buds
- Storing Mugolio
- Transfer the strained mugolio syrup into sterilized glass bottles or jars with airtight lids.
- Store the syrup in a cool, dark place, and it should last for several months.
* Fresh spruce tips can be used in place of little green pinecones.
Mugolio syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various culinary applications. You can drizzle it over desserts like ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles. It also makes a delightful addition to cocktails and mocktails. The unique pine flavor adds a special touch to many dishes, so feel free to get creative with its usage!
More information with images and details here.
Some recipe ideas here.
Credit: this idea was suggested to us by Madison Luna.
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