Recognized for its sweet fruits and pleasant tasting leaves, raspberry has been a cherished plant for hundreds of years. Native to many parts of Europe, North America, and western Asia, Rubus idaeus is an easily cultivated member of the Rose family. Raspberry leaves are generally drunk as a delicious raspberry leaf tea, with a flavor that resembles black tea. Red raspberry leaf is also popular in herbal infusion blends for both its taste and supportive qualities.
Raspberry leaves are among the most pleasant tasting of all the herbal remedies, with a taste much like black tea, without the caffeine. Raspberries were said to have been discovered by the Olympian gods themselves while searching for berries on Mount Ida.
The first real records of domestication of raspberries comes from the writings of Palladius, a Roman agriculturist. By Medieval times it had a great many uses, including the juices which were used in paintings and illuminated manuscripts. King Edward the 1st (1272-1307) was said to be the first to call for mass cultivation of raspberries, whose popularity spread quickly throughout Europe. Teas of raspberry leaves were given to women of the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Mohawk nations in North America, and have earned approval of the authoritative British Herbal Compendium.
1 ounce (28 grams)
Organic Red Raspberry Leaf
- To make a Red Raspberry Leaf infusion, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of boiling water over 1 or 2 teaspoons (3-5 grams) of Red Raspberry Leaf in a heat-resistant teapot or other brewing vessel. Close the teapot or cover the vessel and allow to steep for 10-20 minutes. At the end of the appropriate length of time, strain the herb from the liquid. You may use a stainless-steel strainer lined with cheesecloth or muslin. Use the cloth to wring out every drop of herbal essence or press with the back of a spoon. Reserve the liquid, which is now a strong potent herbal infusion, and compost the herbs.
- You may sweeten to taste if desired. Drink warm or cold. The strained infusion may be refrigerated for 3-5 days but is best consumed fresh.