Because of its growth habit and preferred habitat, early surveyors commonly used spicebush as an indicator of land that would be good for agricultural use. Native Americans, including groups like the Iroquois, Creek, and Cherokee used the plant in treating a variety of common ailments. The easiest use of the plant is to use the leaves, new growth twigs, and buds to create a tasty herbal tea. Furthermore, when collected earlier in the season, the leaves can be eaten raw as a spicy addition to salads. In the later seasons, they can be shredded or steamed and added into mixtures of other greens for cooking, such as turnip greens, collard greens, spinach, kale, and chard. The berries can be used as an effective spicing agent, hence the common name wild allspice. Simply dry them first with an oven on low, in a food dehydrator, or just leave them in the sun and once they are dry, grind them in a coffee or spice grinder to store in glass jars. This spice can be used in place of allspice or where other pungent, sharp seasonings are used.
To make the tea, gather some stems, about an armful, leaving the leaves on the stem, anytime between the spring and fall. Wash all parts to make sure no insect visitors remain. An eco-friendly tip is to collect all plant or vegetable washing water and use it to water ornamental plants. Once cleaned, break the twigs and rip some of the bark back to expose the aromatic stem interior. Also roughly tear the leaves, throwing all parts into a large pot of boiling water. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and use tongs or a wooden spoon to dunk the spicebush beneath the surface of the water. Then cover the pot and leave it to sit for at least two hours, as the longer this infusion is left, the better the tea will taste. Using a colander, strain the twigs and leaves and catch the liquid in a pitcher or another container. Depending on how you like your tea, either drink warm or decant into glass jars to refrigerate or add ice. Also, depending on your preference, either drink as is or sweeten with your choice of sweetener, though be sure to add this while the tea is still hot to ensure it properly dissolves.
So, remember to try and eat one wild food every day! If you have any questions or comments or ideas for wild food articles or recipes, please email [email protected].