Most of us by now have taken down the Christmas tree and put it away until next year or, in the case of real trees, have been taken away to get recycled into mulch. Believe it or not, the country of Belgium had to issue a statement reminding residents to NOT eat Christmas trees.

Where did the idea come from to eat pine needles? It actually came from the Scandinavian countries where some residents use the needles in the making of butter! Sweden says they’ve been using dried pine needles to flavour butter for many years but insist people can only use pine trees that are young and wild. A website has even popped up with a recipe to strip the tree, branch the needles, dry them, and use them to make flavoured butter.

According to Swedish experts, the custom dates back to ancient Scandinavian times and can be used in syrups, flavouring various alcoholic drinks like schnapps, and even used to make beer. At one time, the Vikings used to make a spruce flavoured beer thanks to the use of pine needles. Experts claim that the best time to remove the needles/samplings is in May and June when they are smaller and more tender and when trees have not been sprayed with any chemicals.

Belgium’s Food Agency has given a resounding NO to the idea of eating Christmas trees and, in particular, pine needles, declaring them not to enter the Belgian food chain.

In other words, stick to Belgian waffles and chocolate!