Fireweed tea! A thread 🍃

This plant appears in areas after clear-cuts and forest fires to repair disturbed soil. The leaves can be transformed into a fermented, cured black tea. No caffeine, good for the kidneys. 

I'll document the process over the coming days as replies to this thread.

Harvesting the leaves is super easy!

Hold the top with one hand, then with a semi-firm grip, start just below the flowers and quickly swipe down 75% of the stalk. The leaves pop right off in your hand. Bag 'em. 😊

Then spread out on a clean surface to wilt overnight. 

I took the leaves from 7 mature plants.

Inspired aspirer attempting to find a way back home.

life is intertwined with nature. Certainly this is an interesting challenge, and these leaves create a pleasant aroma and fragrance when brewing tea.