New Jersey tea

Ceanothus americanus

infusion

Dried leaves steeped into a caffeine-free tea, drunk during the War of Independence instead of English tea.

Origin

Eastern North America

Where to find it

In dry prairies and open woods of the eastern United States, where it is called “New Jersey tea”.

Season (United States)

May to August

Preparation

One teaspoon of dried leaves per cup, five to ten minutes in barely simmering water; the infusion is strained and drunk.

Did you know?

After the Boston Tea Party, colonists boycotted English tea and drank this one: it is “New Jersey tea”.