Oregon Grape Berry, Blackberry & Apple Iced Tea

Oregon Grape Berry, Blackberry & Apple Iced Tea

Oregon Grape Berry, BlackBerry & Apple Iced Tea, just set out to steep in the sun

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 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.

Oregon Grape Berry, BlackBerry & Apple Iced Tea Recipe

A glass of the Oregon Grape Berry, Blackberry & Apple Iced Tea after steeping in the sun

To make the Oregon Grape Berry, Blackberry & Apple Iced Tea, you will need the following 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

Instructions:

  1. In a heatproof container, combine blackberries, Oregon Grape berries, and finely chopped apple.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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!).
  5. Chill the tea again if needed until cold, or serve immediately over ice cubes.

Embrace the flavors 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.

Oregon Grape Berry, BlackBerry & Apple Iced Tea, steeping in the sun. The dark berries at the bottom are beginning to diffuse into the water, creating a beautiful dark to light color gradient.

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