Buchu

Agathosma betulina, A. crenulata

infusion

Small leaves with a powerful blackcurrant and mint scent, steeped as a tea or macerated in brandy (buchu brandy) at the Cape.

Origin

Western Cape (South Africa)

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

As a light, occasional tea: its pulegone is toxic to the liver in large doses; avoid during pregnancy.

Did you know?

Its blackcurrant taste comes from a sulfur molecule also found in blackcurrant itself.