Quick Home made Birch Leaf & Mint Drink
Foraging birch leaves involves collecting the young, tender leaves of birch trees, typically in spring when they are most nutritious and flavorful. These leaves can be used in various culinary applications, such as in salads, teas, or as a garnish, and are known for their slightly spicy and astringent taste. The leaves are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, making them a nutritious and versatile addition to your foraging repertoire.
Birch leaves are a good source of several vitamins and minerals. They contain:
Vitamin C: Important for immune function, skin health, and antioxidant protection.
Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune system performance, and skin health.
B Vitamins (including B1, B2, and B6): Crucial for energy metabolism and maintaining nervous system health.
May ( in Finland) is the season to forage the young leaves from a birch tree. This easy and quick drink makes a spring refreshment with a few simple steps.
Ingredients
Collect a handful of birch leaves. (Make sure that these are washed from bugs)
Collect a handful of mint leaves.
Juice of 1 lemon
1-2 tablespoons of honey, depending on how sweet you like the drink to be.
1 Litre of water
Directions: In a pot, add all the ingredients and gently boil for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves away with a sieve and collect the golden coloured juice. Let it cool and place in a bottle and store in a refrigerator for up to a week.
In Finland, birch can only be foraged from your own land so make sure to ask permission from the land owner if you are foraging.
