Description
A low-temperature decoction that concentrates vitamin C, essential terpenes, and mild tannins from pine needles.
Technical
The process relies on the heat-stability of ascorbic acid up to ~85 °C while preserving volatile terpenes such as alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. At temperatures above 100 °C, alpha-pinene thermally rearranges to camphene, diminishing aroma. Prolonged steeping releases tannins, imparting bitterness, whereas insufficient steeping yields low vitamin C content.
Science
Primary Reaction
Extraction of ascorbic acid, terpenes, and tannins via aqueous decoction
Sensory Profile
Aroma ()
pineyfreshcitrusherbalearthyresinouswoodybrightcamphoraceousslightly floral