Pine needles aren't even remotely in the same league as cabbage! For one, they smell nice which is basically infinite points in their favor as a tea ingredient or for anything else involving any kind of scents. Much as I mostly enjoy eating it, cabbage never smells like anything but cabbage. You don't have to guess when it's on the menu because you'll already know long before then.

[ They're teasing, but that won't stop Claude from pretending he's somewhat Serious about this even if the entire premise of cabbage being anywhere near trees is farfetched in any situation. This comes with a feigned look of sternness out from where he is in the kitchen leaning against the cabinet while waiting on the water despite Sylvain's completely relaxed countenance, as if there's really any risk of offense here rather than it being yet another way to pass the time with their usual ridiculousness. ]

I'll break out my best impression of Hanneman to lecture you about this if I have to. But don't worry, I'll convert you to appreciating it soon enough.