chimp wrote:I am searching for natural sources of vitamin C,
just in case of the collapse of civilization as we know it.
An overregulated civilization may have the same effect,
just by criminalizing high doses of vitamins.
chimp wrote:Pine needles appear to be one source, interesting.
This is a sort of backup in cold continenal climate, far north.
In moderate zone, fresh seasonal fruits are much better solution.
Rosehips may be found in November, even December (Europe).
I have done some unformal research couple of months ago,
by talking with old people from some (submediterranean) villages
in Bosnia & Herzegowina and southern parts of Croatia.
Fruits were consumed whenever available. Green leafy vegetables
were of paramount importance in the past, especially as winter
backup (shortage of fruits). The most important was wild cabbage
(Brassica oleracea), but raw stems from flowering plants were given
to children. Raw wild plants were consumed starting
somewhere in March. February was a hard time. Fermented
cabbage ("Sauerkraut") is excellent winter source of vitamin C.