Couch grass

Elymus repens

root · infusion

Dried white rhizomes, in a mild tea, or roasted and ground into flour in famine years.

Origin

Europe and Asia

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

The dried, cut rhizomes are simmered for a few minutes — this first, bitter water is often thrown away — then infused for ten minutes in fresh water, one tablespoon per cup; then strained.

Did you know?

The most determined gardener never gets rid of it: a fragment of rhizome is enough to regrow.