Like Redbush tea!? Then you’re going to love Fireweed tea!
It has the sweetness of Redbush but with the body of black tea. Naturally decaf so it makes a lovely evening brew & best of all it’s made from a wild plant spilling out of the hedgerows at the moment – Rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium). Here’s my recipe for making & brewing it..
WHAT YOU’LL NEED..
- Stems of Rosebay willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium)
- Large Kilner Jar or similar
- Strong hands!
- Food dehydrator or oven
WHAT TO DO WITH IT ALL..
- Start by sterilising your jar by pouring boiling water over it & leaving to cool & dry. Wash your hand thoroughly.
- Strip the leaves from the stems by running your hand from the tip of the stems to the base opposite the growth of the leaves. You’ll end up with a large handful of flowers & leaves.
- Roll the leaves firmly between your hands to bruise them
- Pack the bruised leaves into the jar, seal the lid & then leave in a cool dark place for 48hrs or until you start to see the leaves darken – this means they’re oxidising & going through a gentle fermentation process. if you see any mould then get rid of everything & start again.
- Remove the leaves from the jar & spread on baking trays & dry until crisp in a cool oven at 100 deg C or in a food dehydrator if you have one.
- Pop the leaves back into another sterilised, sealable jar & keep for up to 2 years (as long as the leaves have been properly dried through!)
BREWING YOUR FIREWEED TEA..
- Add a handful of the dried tea leaves to a cafetiere or tea pot with an infusion chamber.
- Pour in hot (not boiling) water & leave for 5-7mins to brew.
- Pour yourself a mugful, add a teaspoon of honey (to taste) & some milk (optional) then find an armchair to sink into & enjoy!
When collecting any wild botanicals, make sure to follow these sustainable foraging guidelines. I hope you enjoy collecting, making & brewing your own fireweed tea! Want to taste it!? I often have Fireweed tea on the menu for my fireside feasts so why not join for a brew!?
