Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium, A. arborescens

infusion

Very bitter silvery leaves, a sprig of which flavors winter mint tea in Morocco (chiba), and which gave absinthe its name.

Origin

Europe, western Asia and North Africa

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

A light, occasional infusion: its thujone is toxic to the nerves in large doses; avoid during pregnancy.

Did you know?

Banned in France from 1915 to 2011, absinthe liqueur was accused of driving people mad: it was mostly the alcohol.