Red Raspberry Leaves
The leaf of the red raspberry plant makes a mild, slightly earthy tea that has been brewed by home herbalists for generations, long before the berries got all the attention.
What It Is
Red raspberry leaf comes from the same plant as the fruit, but it is harvested for the leaf alone. Dried and steeped, it tastes nothing like raspberry candy. It is green and a little tannic, closer to a light black tea than to anything fruity. The flavor is gentle enough to drink plain or to blend with other herbs.
This is one of the most traditionally used herbs in folk herbalism, with a long history as an everyday tea. It pairs naturally with rose hips, lemon balm, or a spoonful of honey.
What To Do
Steep one heaping teaspoon of dried leaf per cup in water that is just off the boil. Give it five to ten minutes, then strain. Longer steeping makes it more tannic, so taste as you go. It is pleasant hot or cold.
Red raspberry leaf blends well with most of the other herbs in this category. Try it with lemon balm for something softer, or with rose hips for a little brightness. Store in a sealed container away from light and heat, and it will hold its flavor for a year or more.
