Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)

These are spicebush winter twigs with little round floral buds.

In my opinion, twigs without the leaves make the best tasting Spicebush Tea. You can try making it with some leaves left on and see what you think.

Coarsely broken twigs - ready for tea.

Spicebush leaves are smooth edged, alternate on the stem. Berries are glossy, bright red when ripe, with one seed inside. Entire berry is edible, and used as an allspice substitute. Scratch a twig or crush a leaf for a pleasant spicy-citrusy fragrance.

Spicebush Tea

Delicious hot or iced

Ingredients:
8-10 spicebush twigs (one good handful)
4 cups water
Sugar or honey, as desired

Directions:

Break the twigs into pieces.
Boil the water in a medium pot. Turn off the heat. Put the twigs in and cover the pot. Let steep for at least 30 minutes.

(Alternatively, you can steep the tea in a large Mason jar.)

The longer it steeps, the more flavor it will have. If longer than 2 hours, steep in the refrigerator.

Strain the twigs from the tea.

Iced spicebush tea is very refreshing, especially when lightly sweetened.