Oregon Grape Berry, Blackberry & Apple Iced Tea
This Iced Tea recipe is by far my favourite of this summer!
Incorporating the unique and tangy flavour of Oregon grape berries, our iced tea recipe is a refreshing blend that combines these powerful berries with sweet blackberries and crisp apples.
This delightful infusion not only offers a burst of flavour but also brings the health benefits of these nutrient-rich fruits to your glass. Perfect for a hot summer day, this herbal iced tea is a delicious way to enjoy the seasonal bounty while staying hydrated and nourished.
Oregon Grape Berries
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a hardy, evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Northwest, known for its vibrant yellow flowers and deep blue-purple berries. Often mistaken for grapes due to their appearance, Oregon grape berries are small, tart, and packed with powerful nutrients. The plant itself is revered in herbal medicine for its roots and bark, which contain berberine—a compound known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The berries of the Oregon grape, while tart and somewhat bitter when eaten raw, can be transformed into a variety of delicious and healthful preparations. They are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients that support immune health and fight free radicals. Traditionally, the berries have been used to make jams, jellies, and syrups, often mixed with sweeter fruits like apples or blackberries to balance their tartness. Oregon grape berries are also used in teas, wines, and tinctures, providing both a nutritional boost and a unique flavor profile.
How to Identify Oregon Grape
Glossy, leathery leaves with spiny edges, a little like holly. Each leaf is made up of several leaflets along one stem.
Clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring, often one of the first splashes of colour in the forest.
Deep blue berries with a dusty bloom, ripening in late summer. They grow in grape-like clusters, which gives the plant its name.
You may see two kinds here on the coast. Tall Oregon grape grows upright as a shrub, while dull Oregon grape (cascade Oregon grape) stays low to the forest floor. The berries of both can be used in the same way.
Know your plant
Always be 100% sure of your plant identification before harvesting any wild berry. When in doubt, leave it out.
Harvesting Tips
Recipe
Oregon Grape Berry, Blackberry & Apple Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup blackberries
- 1/4 cup Oregon Grape berries (know your plant ID)
- 1 small apple, finely chopped
- 4 cups water
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
- Ice cubes
Method
- In a heatproof container, combine blackberries, Oregon Grape berries, and finely chopped apple.
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and pour it over the fruit mixture. Gently mash the blackberries with a spoon to release their juices.
- Stir in honey or your preferred sweetener to taste, if desired. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids (or enjoy eating the apple pieces!).
- Chill the tea again if needed until cold, or serve immediately over ice cubes.
Embrace the flavours of the season with each refreshing sip of this cooling herbal infusion. It's nourishing and a perfect companion for summer relaxation. Enjoy the natural goodness of fresh ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of summer in every glass.
More Ways to Use Oregon Grape Berries
Because the berries are so tart, they shine when paired with sweeter fruit. Apples are a perfect partner, adding both sweetness and natural pectin, which is why Oregon grape and apple jelly is such a traditional favourite. The berries also make a beautiful deep purple syrup to drizzle over pancakes or stir into sparkling water, and they work wonderfully in a shrub, our favourite drinking vinegar.
A gentle note
The berries are very sour and are best enjoyed cooked or steeped rather than eaten by the handful. The roots and bark contain berberine and are a stronger medicine, so they are not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Speak with a qualified practitioner before using them.
More midsummer magic
Our Summer Solstice e-book is filled with midsummer folklore, St. John's Wort, calendula, lavender and rose, plus floral lemonade, solar tea, herbal salts and lavender shortbread.
With warmth and gratitude,
Betty & Sarah
Dancing Moon Herbals