Pine cone jam and dust are very beneficial for those who have weak bronchial apparatus and they also strengthen the immune system. In Borjomi and Abastumani areas of Georgia you’ll often see people who sell this kind of jam and pine dust. Pine cone jam is one of the most popular and widely consumed jams in Georgia cuisine that is used for healing purposes. It is not difficult to prepare it. The cones have to be gathered in May-June, in ecologically friendly environment. The cones must be soft and their lengths must be 1-3 centimeters (0.4-1.3 inches).

Wash the cones thoroughly in effluent water, then put them in a pot full of water and put the pot on the fire. Add sugar, stir until it boils and let it keep boiling for 15-20 minutes, on a high heat. Then put the pot away and let it cool. When the jam is completely cold, put it on the fire again and let it boil for 30 minutes. The syrup will change the color gradually and will become the color of a transparent caramel. Put the pot away and let it cool again, then put it again on the fire and let it boil. Do it until the syrup becomes thick. When you think it is ready, pour one drop on a plate and wait until it gets cold. If it becomes so thick that it does not easily move on the plate, it is ready. Distribute the jam in jars and cover them.

This jam is a real medicine! Have it when you catch cold, have bronchial asthma or croup. It can be given to the children as well – 1-2 teaspoonfuls of this jam every morning, 20-30 minutes before breakfast.