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Labrador tea
A fragrant northern herbal tea from Labrador tea leaves
Labrador tea grows in the bogs and boreal forests right across northern Canada, and Cree, Dene and Inuit families have long dried its leathery, rust-backed leaves for a hot drink on the land and at home. It tastes resinous and piney, a bit like rosemary and eucalyptus, and is often sweetened with a little sugar. The leaves contain natural compounds that are harmful in large amounts, so brew it weak, drink a cup or two, and don't steep it for hours. It is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Only pick it if you know the plant well: the poisonous bog laurel grows alongside it; dried leaves from a trusted seller are safest. A common mistake is using a big handful of leaves; one tablespoon makes two cups. Chef's tip: steep below boiling and briefly; a long boil makes it bitter and stronger than you want.
- Total time
- 10 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp dried Labrador tea leavesfrom a trusted source
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp sugar (optional)to taste
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Method
0/3 doneStep 1: Bring 2 cups water to the boil, then take it off the heat and leave for a minute.
3 minStep 2: Add 1 tbsp dried Labrador tea leaves, cover and steep for no more than 5 minutes, until pale amber and fragrant.
5 minStep 3: Strain into cups and sweeten with 2 tsp sugar if you like. Drink it occasionally, one or two cups at a time.
1 min
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 10 kcal
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbs
- 2 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fibre
- 0 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does labrador tea take?
- About 10 minutes in total: 2 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 2 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
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