In brief
This festive season, recycle your tree, but don’t eat it! Ghent’s suggestion sparks health concerns as officials caution against trying to make spruce butter.
In an unexpected holiday alert, Belgian authorities have urged residents not to eat their Christmas trees, despite the city's eco-friendly suggestion. The city of Ghent recently proposed making "delicious spruce needle butter" to combat festive food waste, claiming it was a trendy culinary practice. However, Belgium's federal food agency quickly intervened, stressing health risks associated with consuming evergreen needles. While Ghent cited Scandinavian influences, food historians disputed the widespread use of such a practice, leading the government to emphasize caution. Yew and treated trees could pose dangers, and the agency’s message is clear: enjoy recycling your Christmas tree, but leave the cooking to safer ingredients!
