Siberian dwarf pine. Magadan region

The Siberian dwarf pine (Latin: Pinus pumila) inhabits the harshest areas of the Russian Far East. These low bushes spread across the taiga, forming dense, impenetrable thickets, earning them the nicknames "lying cedar" and "dwarf pine." In the Magadan region, it is ubiquitous and is the only coniferous tree in the area.

Siberian dwarf pine is among the leaders in the pine family for its high content of phytoncides, providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, calming the body, and boosting the immune system. Infusions made from the needles are rich in vitamin C. While modern people use these infusions to support their bodies during colds, three hundred years ago, they literally saved sailors from scurvy. Vitus Bering and his team never went a day without tea or kvass made from dwarf pine during the Second Kamchatka Expedition.

 The most important part of the Siberian dwarf pine is its nuts, which are high in protein, vitamins, and microelements. These nuts are pressed to extract valuable oil used in cooking and cosmetics. Health enthusiasts love the nuts for their nutritious snacking value, as an ingredient for healthy sweets, and as a source of beneficial fats in smoothies and salads.

Scientists have found that consuming at least 60 grams of nuts daily on an empty stomach for two months lowers glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. The glycemic index of pine nuts is only 15, making them suitable for the diet of diabetics.

In the Magadan region, the family-run business “Gifts of Kolyma” LLC harvests nuts and produces oil. It is the only company in Russia that has managed to produce quality pine nuts from the Siberian dwarf pine, which are currently on sale. Additionally, the company produces oil from the pine nuts, which contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A, B, C, E, and polyunsaturated fatty acids: linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids. The company also makes essential oil from Siberian dwarf pine—an exclusive Russian product. The nobility and sophistication of the Siberian dwarf pine's aroma make it an aristocrat among coniferous essential oil plants. The essential oil has pronounced immunomodulating, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-edema properties.

An interesting fact about this tree is that the Magadan forestry creates protective belts around settlements to reduce fire hazard classes. This is done in winter, and the harvested dwarf pine is used to make Christmas trees sold in Magadan.

Varlaam Shalamov, in his story "Dwarf Pine," described it as a tree of hope. Strong and stubborn, it is like a person who stands alone against the elements. In summer, when other plants rush to bloom as quickly as possible, competing with each other, the dwarf pine remains inconspicuous. It is a steadfast fighter, touched by the warm breeze of summer, resisting temptation, and staying true to its principles.