Labrador tea or what I have come to call Muskeg tea
by Steve Boyd
Every year, in late September I am fortunate enough to visit a very remote northern lake in Manitoba. No one ever believes my stories about the place… even so, I am going to share one of them with you here.
This spot is 100% for fishing. All catch and release… well, we have a fish fry one night out of the 5 there, (and I have started bringing one fish home each year to smoke as a treat.) Aside from that the fish go back. We always do our best to make sure their release is going to ensure survival - I mean, we want to catch them again next year when they are that much bigger! It is a remarkable and special untouched part of Canada without question and everyone in the group makes a point of leaving the smallest footprint they can while there. The group has been going well over 25 years. I am the new guy in the group with this year being my 10th… I think?
I would encourage any outdoor enthusiast to go up north in the fall, it is stunning in its beauty. Fishing aside, a very remarkable thing about this area we go to is the abundance of tea and I have always enjoyed picking it while there.
There is a small island we go too, it is untouched and you are almost immediately walking into in a large patch of tea as soon as you set foot on the island - in fact I have come to believe the majority of undergrowth on this particular island is 100% tea. We head out early and spend an hour or so picking, before getting back on the lake for an afternoon of fishing! Knowing that, tonight there is going to be a great big pot of fresh Muskeg Tea after dinner to enjoy!
Muskeg tea or Labrador Tea is a naturally occurring plant that can be found across Canada, and picking and consuming the tea is a common activity for many people. Locally, within the Beaches of 59 you can find it!
First get yourself to the Brokenhead Wetlands Interpretive Trial (it is free to all, sorry no pets, but well worth your time). The trail is located just North of South Beach Casino on the West side of highway 59. The tea grows in abundance along the trial in spots. It is marked for identification. This is your first step to learning to identify the plan. While on this trail - please do not pick any of the tea. Foraging is not allowed here. The local communities still utilize these areas for traditional medicines and foods. The trail was developed to allow anyone interested in the experience of seeing these types of plants grow in their natural environment, to have that opportunity with identification markers.
Over the years of picking, I have naturally learned to easily identify it. You will too! Never pick or consume anything without being 100% about what you are consuming. It has a distinct look and always grows under similar conditions - It is called Muskeg tea for a reason.
The tea can be bitter if over boiled but like traditional green tea has many beneficial properties.
Boiling time determines the strength and flavour of the tea. Take a handful of leaves and fill a small pot with fresh water (about a standard tea pot of water) place the leaves directly in the water and set temperature to medium high until you get a nice slow rolling boil, give it a minute and then reduce temperature to let the leaves simmer, you will see the color of the water change, the longer you leave the tea on the element the stronger the flavour. When we are out and making tea for the evening we will brew up a large pot and leave it on the fire side all night long for everyone to enjoy throughout the night, however the last cup can be very strong!
At home, I usually leave the tea on for at least 10-15 min. But I prefer a stronger tea. Experiment and make the tea to your liking and strength. There is no need for sweetener or milk/cream and adding them will alter the flavour. However, I will say a small amount of honey is never something to frown on! You may find while preparing the tea you will see white ‘foam’ develop on the surface, do not worry, it occurs naturally, you can skim it off. Or when pouring your tea, prevent it from making it’s way into your cup. When you pick, pick only the leaves do not pick the flowers or stems. Boil and simmer leaving the leaves in the water.
I have found at times after a warm pot before bed can induce vivid dreams or can reward you with an exceptional rest. If you like the idea of harvesting natural foods or knowing what is out there and beneficial for you. Get out and pick a bit. Dry it lasts quite a while and you do not need a lot. I acknowledge how fortunate my own experiences picking this awesome plant is but the tea can be found all over the Beaches of 59 if you look for it.
IF you do pick? To follow traditions, leave an offering of thanks - tobacco is always a reliable offering. The point is to express gratitude. In turn you will be rewarded with a better experience. Be it through the tea, finding some next year or a memorable occurrence while out.