Wild Tea - Hawthorn

Gathering Hawthorn. Photo Credit - Isabella Ramsay

The hawthorn is in berry and the hedgerows are full of heart. This special tree-shrub is in fact known as the Tree of Heart, and has been studied for the helpful action of its rich red berries in lowering blood pressure and helping the heart pump with a little more oomph. I find that it also helps the heart in a subtler sense, lending support and tender warmth at times when love is needed. Simply simmer the berries and watch the water turn a tawny rose-gold.

It’s also a key ingredient in one of my favourite way to prepare autumn’s wild berries - a casual gathering of hips, haws, sloes and elderberries. Tumble the contents of your basket (plus some chopped apples if you’ve found some along the way) and simmer for twenty minutes. This rich red stock smells like medieval merriment and, once strained through muslin, can be used as a cordial, delicious warm drink or as a marinade. I’ll be using it as the base of a venison, bolete and burdock stew for my autumnal stews.