New Jersey Tea

Photo from: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CEAM

Available at the McClanahan Food Forest

Harvest and Use

  • Harvest leaves in June - July when the plant is in full bloom.
  • Let leaves dry in the sun, then crush and steep in water to make a caffeine-free tea with a slightly minty flavor. The plant was used during the American Revolution as a substitute for European imported teas!
  • The plant's flowers are also valuable as a food source to local pollinators.