Page 174 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Wintergreen, Gaultheria

procumbens (ERICACEAE)

WINTERGREEN, Eastern Teaberry, Checkerberry, or
Boxberry is an evergreen shrub that prefers sandy or
poor soils within evergreen or hardwood forests.
cultivar413, CC BY 2.0
FLOWER: Bell-shaped waxy flowers are white but can
have a pinkish tinge. Flowers are pendulous with 5 pet-
als and the flower stalk is light green to red. Berries
are red, about ¼- ⅓ inch (0.6–0.9cm) in diameter, but
are dry capsules and not true berries. Red berries last
throughout winter.
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LEAF: Leathery simple alternate oval leaves are 0.8-2 Matt Lavin, CC-BY-SA-2.0 jacinta lluch valero, CC BY-SA 2.0
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inches (2–5cm) in length and about half as wide. Leaves They have a wintergreen flavor but a mealy texture.
have a distinct wintergreen scent, especially when
Leaves and stems are best suited to be dried or in-
crushed. Each leaf has one primary vein running down
fused to make, tea but can be chewed for their win-
the middle; smaller veins branch off the main vein.
tergreen flavor.
EDIBLE PARTS: fruits, leaves WINTERGREEN RUM INFUSION: Crush leaves in a
KEY MEDICINAL USES: The plant contains methyl sa- jar and add as much rum as you would like. Let sit for
licylate-rich essential oils, which are distilled from the 3-5 days after which strain off the liquid and enjoy a
plant and used for relieving aches and pains. These refreshing and warming beverage.
plants are especially good at relieving sore and inflamed
WARNING: People who are allergic to Aspirin should
joints. not consume Wintergreen.
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Berries can be eaten raw.
Yaupon Holly, Ilex
vomitoria (AQUIFOLIACEAE)

YAUPON HOLLY is an erect shrub that can reach 30 ft.
(9m) tall and can spread via root suckers as well as by
seed. It prefers sandy, coastal areas.
Luteus, CC-BY-3.0
FLOWER: Both male and female plants produce an a-
bundance of white flowers which are 0.2 inch (5mm)
in diameter. Female plants produce masses of small,
bright red or yellow berries in autumn, which are also
packed along the branches and stems. They are only ¼
inch (6cm) in diameter, but are very conspicuous in de-
ciduous forests in winter. Each berry contains 4 seeds.

LEAF: Leaves are only 1 ½ inch (4cm) long and less than YAUPON HOLLY TEA RECIPE: Ingredients: 1 hand-
an inch (2cm) wide. They tend to be dark green and ful of dried leaves, water, sugar to taste. Roast the
glossy on the surface, but paler green underneath. The dried leaves in the oven for less than 5 min. at 300°F
bark is pale grey, sometimes with white patches where (150°C), then into a cup and pour boiling water over
the bark has shed. them. Brew for 5 min., strain, and add sugar to taste.
EDIBLE PARTS: leaves and stems WARNING: Berries are toxic to humans. Do not eat.
HOW TO HARVEST AND EAT: Leaves and stems con- POISONOUS LOOK-ALIKES: Chinese Privet, Ligus-
tain caffeine, which, when dried roasted and then trum sinense - has both toxic berries and leaves. The
brewed with hot water, makes a warm, stimulating leaves are larger than yaupon holly, and yaupon hol-
drink that tastes like Yerba Mate. ly is much more branched and variable in habit.

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