Hi Melanie! Audrey here. It's best to use fresh. Once the needles dry, the vitamin C content goes down drastically. Ideally you would find a tree near by and harvest as you use. However, you can harvest a handful or even a basketful depending on how much you're using, and they will stay fresh for a good week. Also, if you find a newly fallen branch with the needles attached, you can take the branch home and they will stay fresh for a bit longer while attached. I don't honestly measure, as this is a very safe and gentle remedy but around a cup of needles to 4 cups of water would be my guess of what I use when I simmer on the stove :) Happy tea making!
Hi Melanie! Audrey here. It's best to use fresh. Once the needles dry, the vitamin C content goes down drastically. Ideally you would find a tree near by and harvest as you use. However, you can harvest a handful or even a basketful depending on how much you're using, and they will stay fresh for a good week. Also, if you find a newly fallen branch with the needles attached, you can take the branch home and they will stay fresh for a bit longer while attached. I don't honestly measure, as this is a very safe and gentle remedy but around a cup of needles to 4 cups of water would be my guess of what I use when I simmer on the stove :) Happy tea making!