Hunt & Gather Tea

With temperatures dropping we are finding ourselves reaching for something warm. Herbal tea is a favourite of many and today Gundula will be sharing more on our tea of the month.

For those of us going out hunting or foraging, we have concocted a lovely winter tonic with berries and roots as the theme. We are collecting the myrtle berries with their leaves, which helps against sinusitis. They are also used as a juniper substitute with venison in Mediterranean climates. The favourite priestess of the Greek goddess, Artemis, was named Myrtle.  When some other lusty god was chasing her, Artemis turned Myrtle into a bush, to protect her chastity.

Our cardamon plant (good for digestion) has just burst its buds with fragrant seeds and the turmeric has gone to sleep, which makes it an ideal time to harvest from. Turmeric imparts such a friendly flavour and a warm colour. It’s a good tonic against many ailments such as arthritis, asthma, cholesterol and cancer prevention.

Buchu of course, heals everything and we need it most in winter when it’s beginning to blossom.

Hunt & Gather Tea

Ingredients:

15 Crushed cardamons
1 Handful buchu
7 Slices turmeric
7 Slices ginger (good for circulation and nausea)
6 Kumquats, cut in halve (vitamin C)
10 Myrtle berries with leaves
7 Rose hips with slits (immune booster)
Boiling water
Honey

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients together in a teapot and top up with the boiling water.
2. Leave to infuse for at least 20 minutes.
3.  Enjoy in a single espresso cup with honey to taste.