There are so many naturally occurring remedies all around us.
People have been using such plants to help with their physical illnesses for a long time, but this practice is slowly fading.
Teaberry is native to the Americas and has been used for many generations to treat and remedy various ailments.
These red berries and their leaves have been added to many different foods and dishes over the years.
The oil extract from the fruit has been a common ingredient for candy makers.
This peculiar-looking plant is easy to identify and grows in the wild throughout the year.
They cover the forest floors and can be collected once the berries are ripe and red.
Let’s look at all the uses of teaberry and what does teaberry taste like?
What is Teaberry?
Most botanists categorize teaberry as a ‘subshrub,’ which literally means ‘sort of a shrub.
‘ This is because this plant falls somewhere between a herb and a shrub in its features.
Its flavor profile and height are two factors that make it more herb-like, as they never grow taller than a few inches and taste very similar to wintergreen.
Although the shrub is evergreen, they usually produce fruit only in places with good sunlight.
It goes by the scientific name Gaultheria procumbens and is a part of the heath family.
You may be familiar with its cousin, the blueberry, which are common in the south, and huckleberry and sourwood.
The plant might be small, but they are pretty tough.
The leaves are bright green and are concentrated at the top of the stem.
The flowers are white, and one flower will produce one berry each.
What Does Teaberry Taste Like?
The teaberry plant is very versatile, with many people using almost every part of it.
You can make tea with the leaves, and the fruit from the plant is used for various dishes and also for traditional medicine.
However, the most common use for this berry is in producing candy or sweets.
This berry has always been compared to spearmint and peppermint in taste and flavor; some even infuse it for wintergreen.
The odor and taste are both very sharp.
The plant was extensively used in scented candles and perfumes in the past.
The Berries have a mild sweetness with a refreshing kick to them.
People often compare it to black licorice in taste, which is followed by subtle notes of aniseed in the aftertaste.
The plant, as a whole, tastes sweet and is a favorite for those who love to forage and live off the land since they are so low maintenance.
Most people assume that the taste of the fruit will be similar to strawberries or raspberries, given how it looks.
But it does not taste even remotely like a berry.
The fruit is sweet but takes on the flavors of an herb rather than a sweet and tart fruit.
If you’ve tasted Clark’s chewing gum, you’ve probably already tasted this berry.
The company used the essence of teaberries to flavor their gum.
You’ll love this fruit if you’re a fan of fresh herbs like mint.
Can You Eat Teaberry?
For those of you wondering if teaberry is a poisonous plant, it’s not.
In fact, you can actually consume the whole plant.
The berries can be eaten raw, and the leaves and branches can be made into an herbal tea that soothes the body.
Some people even dry the berries so that they can be put in a pot along with the leaves to make a soothing tea.
Native Americans have used the plant to help with diarrhea, common cold symptoms, digestive issues, and tummyache.
It’s the perfect fruit to enjoy if you’re not feeling so great and want something natural to help you with your headache.
The most notable use of the teaberry is in making traditional sweets.
The oil from the plant is drawn out and used to flavor the different treats.
Another great way to enjoy the fruit is by making teaberry ice cream.
The plant can be toxic in case it’s consumed in large numbers, so you’ll need to be wary of that.
The good thing is only a small amount is needed to flavor dishes and sweet treats.
A small amount goes a long way and you can preserve the leaves, flowers, and berries to prepare healing beverages.
Conclusion
There you have it, a look at one of the most common wild berries that are found almost everywhere in the country.
They are bound to grow in forests and are plenty in number.
So, the next time you’re outdoors, try collecting the berries to create your very own tea or use them for other dishes.
Even the leaves can be dried and preserved to make a hot beverage.
With all its healing properties and fantastic flavor, it’s one fruit you will want to try if you ever decide to go foraging in the forests.
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