A steaming cup of tea made from wild-harvested sassafras is more than a drink—it’s a connection to the past.
This Sassafras Tea Recipe walks you through each step, from foraging roots or leaves to gently simmering them for the perfect infusion.
Long appreciated for its distinctive flavor and historic uses, sassafras tea is easy to make with just water, a touch of sweetener, and a bit of patience.
You’ll also pick up insights on how to make sassafras tea taste its best and get a glimpse into traditional sassafras benefits passed down through generations.
Sassafras Tea Background
Sassafras Tea has a fascinating history that dates back to Native American tribes, who were the first to discover the incredible qualities of the sassafras tree’s roots and leaves.
European settlers later embraced this tea in North America, becoming a cherished part of American culture.
Sassafras Tea Recipe
This Sassafras Tea Recipe uses roots or leaves simmered in water to create a fragrant, caffeine-free herbal drink. Sweeten with honey or sugar and garnish with citrus for a refreshing American classic.
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of Sassafras Tea
- Calories Per Serving: Approximately 20 calories per 1-cup serving (without added sugar or honey)
Ingredients:
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make your own Sassafras Tea recipe:
- Sassafras Roots or Leaves – 3-4 roots or 10-12 leaves
- Water – 4 cups
- Sugar or Honey (optional) – to taste
- Lemon or Orange Slices (optional) – for garnish
Instructions:
Harvesting Sassafras:
- Begin by identifying a healthy sassafras tree. Ensure you have permission to harvest from the property owner or obtain sassafras roots or leaves from a reputable source.
- Use a small spade or trowel to carefully dig up 3-4 sassafras roots or collect 10-12 fresh sassafras leaves. Be mindful not to harm the tree.
Preparing The Sassafras:
- Once you have gathered the roots or leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- If using roots, chop them into small pieces. You can use leaves whole if you are using them.
Boiling Sassafras:
- In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the cleaned and chopped sassafras roots or leaves to the boiling water.
- After lowering the heat to low, simmer the mixture for twenty to thirty minutes. This will allow the sassafras to infuse its flavors into the water.
Straining And Sweetening:
- Strain the tea into a teapot or serving pitcher using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, removing any sassafras particles.
- Now, it’s time to add sweetness to your tea. To flavor, you can use honey or sugar. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust as needed.
Serving Sassafras Tea:
- Pour the freshly brewed Sassafras Tea into cups or mugs.
- Garnish with lemon or orange slices if desired for a touch of freshness.
Enjoying Sassafras Tea:
- Savor the unique flavor of Sassafras Tea, which combines earthy and slightly citrusy notes.
- Sip slowly and relish the taste of this historical American beverage.
Health Benefits
Sassafras Tea isn’t just delicious; it also offers potential health benefits. It has been used traditionally for its mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it’s important to note that sassafras contain safrole, which has been linked to potential health risks. It’s advisable to consume this tea in moderation.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to craft your own Sassafras Tea recipe, you can enjoy this delightful beverage with a rich history from the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply curious about trying something new, Sassafras Tea is a unique and refreshing choice that’s worth exploring.
Remember to always source sassafras responsibly and enjoy this tea in moderation for the best experience. Cheers to your tea-crafting journey!
Homemade Sassafras Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- Sassafras Roots or Leaves – 3-4 roots or 10-12 leaves
- Water – 4 cups
- Sugar or Honey optional – to taste
- Lemon or Orange Slices optional – for garnish
Instructions
Harvesting Sassafras:
- Begin by identifying a healthy sassafras tree. Ensure you have permission to harvest from the property owner or obtain sassafras roots or leaves from a reputable source.
- Use a small spade or trowel to carefully dig up 3-4 sassafras roots or collect 10-12 fresh sassafras leaves. Be mindful not to harm the tree.
Preparing The Sassafras:
- Once you have gathered the roots or leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- If using roots, chop them into small pieces. You can use leaves whole if you are using them.
Boiling Sassafras:
- In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the cleaned and chopped sassafras roots or leaves to the boiling water.
- After lowering the heat to low, simmer the mixture for twenty to thirty minutes. This will allow the sassafras to infuse its flavors into the water.
Straining And Sweetening:
- Strain the tea into a teapot or serving pitcher using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, removing any sassafras particles.
- Now, it’s time to add sweetness to your tea. To flavor, you can use honey or sugar. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and adjust as needed.
Serving Sassafras Tea:
- Pour the freshly brewed Sassafras Tea into cups or mugs.
- Garnish with lemon or orange slices if desired for a touch of freshness.