Of Fireweed & Tea

All parts of fireweed are edible, and a fermented tea made from it's leaves is absolutely delightful.
#naturalhistory #science #ecology #environment #education #botany
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[@STandM3]

Aging the tea tastes amazing!

[@taigapup72]

I'm making this this week!

[@barefoothappy456]

💕💕💕

[@rachelchiasson1767]

Thanks Cliff. Can’t wait to try!!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great video Cliff. As always you go a step further by proving more useful information. Thank you

[@CapriciousBlackBox]

It could almost be called “clearcut weed” as well, since it’s even more prolific in areas that have been logged than in areas that have been burned.

[@yondrstudio]

Could you explain more about fatalities associated with fermenting in plastic? Has this ever happened with glass? Also, in order to keep the jar warm during the 3-4 day ferment, could I place it in the oven with the oven light on instead of outside? With the light on my oven is around 95F. I live in the PNW and we are currently having hot days but cooler nights.

[@UNDERST0RY]

The problems were associated with fermenting meat. For vegetation it might be a non-issue, so long as light can strike the plants.(Though I prefer to take the cautious path and avoid plastic.) Light kills most microbes but the yeast important to the fermentation handles it well.

[@mandograssable]

This is a very thorough video. I live in Virginia and don't know if I have seen it or not. There is a purple and white flower along our roads that look somewhat like it but I doubt it is fireweed. I pick it and give it to my girlfriend each spring and it smells wonderful in the house. Much better than any store-bought flowers.

[@UNDERST0RY]

I would be surprised if fireweed grew that far south. You might be referring to lupine, which is very toxic.

[@mandograssable]

@@UNDERST0RY I checked it out and it does grow in Virginia.

[@danielengsvang3126]

I like how you put the leaves in the sun to help avoid mold, just like we ferment tobacco. I will personally try 3 different methods just to see what the outcome will taste like

[@UNDERST0RY]

I am sure you will like it. It is my favorite tea.

[@myhounddog]

Yes, this was the mistake I repeatedly made.. leaving it in a cool area. Thank you for the information.

[@jeanettesilhouette5678]

Is Fireweed found in Michigan? Thanks

[@UNDERST0RY]

I haven't been to MI in decades but it should be.

[@mairinmurphy2495]

I've tried this without the water as per most recipes. How does this compare if anyone has tried both methods?

[@UNDERST0RY]

I've never heard of a waterless method.

[@hwilcox]

There is no need to cut plant. Just remove flower part, and then run through leaves and put in separate bag.

[@UNDERST0RY]

It's the leaves you want for tea. But this year I'll try just stripping the leaves and leave the plant standing.

[@heatherpinkston9304]

Are they sometimes yellow?

[@UNDERST0RY]

I've seen albino fireweed but never yellow. You might be thinking of evening primrose which is a cousin though it tastes very different.