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Let’s create the beautiful world our hearts know is possible.
The Oregon Coast Producers Video!
We’re in the Oregon Coast producers video!
When you watch this you can almost taste the love our Communitea of farmers, fishers and foragers put into their work.
When you buy local you get to support the folks you love and fill your table with the best food and drink money can buy.
Who's your favorite local maker/farmer/chef in your town? Let us know about them in the comments below!
A Sweet Little Lilac Recipe For Spring
Capture the magic of lilac season in a jar.
“In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash’d palings,
Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love,
With every leaf a miracle—and from this bush in the dooryard,
With delicate-color’d blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
A sprig with its flower I break.”
-except of Walt Whitman’s, “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d”
I love lilac season. The blooms of deep purple, violet and white call to me in the garden as I pass by. I can’t help stop and press a tower of blossoms to my face, inhaling their intoxicating scent.
Lilac season doesn’t last long, but this lilac sugar recipe will help you capture their magic to savor all year!
You’ll love sweetening your tea with this lilac sugar or maybe sprinkling some over your next batch of scones.
This recipe is super easy to make and very fun to use!
My mother once told me that it was an Irish custom for good luck and prosperity to plant a lilac bush outside your kitchen door. Luckily for me someone already had planted one before we purchased North Fork 53.
This Oregon homestead came with a lilac bush on the north side of the farmhouse that is two stories tall.
I can just reach the blossoms on it’s very lowest branches.
I went on to plant several more lilacs around our farm with different colors and bloom times so I can enjoy the flowers a bit longer- but the old growth lilac has a fragrance that cannot be matched.
Lilacs can live to be 75 years or more- so I’m hoping our homestead lilac has many good years left in her.
How to harvest lilac blooms
It all starts with lilac blooms, of course, preferably ones at the height of the season, lush and full. A sunny late morning harvest is best. Gently remove the bloom from the green stem. If you just give them a slight tug, the bloom slides right off, detaching from the little green sepal at its base, and leaving the yellow pistil behind. You don’t need to wash the flowers but giving them a good shake to remove any unwanted bugs is a good idea.
If you plan on incorporating the lilac blossoms into the finished sugar then it’s important to remove all the green stems from blossoms as they can get bitter and ruin the flavor. (note the blossoms will shrivel and turn brown as they release their essence to the sugar)
If you are removing the blossoms from the finished product then it’s easier to leave the blossoms in small clumps as it makes them easier to sieve out at the end of the week.
It’s up to you and how vibrant or subtle of a lilac flavor you want. The more blossoms you add the stronger the scent in the sugar will be. Generally you want to use a half cup of lilac blossoms per cup of sugar.
How to make lilac sugar
Layer organic white cane sugar, interspersed with layers of lilac blooms, in a quart-sized Ball jar.
(If you don’t like to use refined sugar you can also infuse maple sugar, raw honey, or unrefined cane sugar in place of refined sugar.)
2. Leave a few inches open at the top of the Ball jar to allow for daily vigorous shaking and put a lid on tightly.
3. Place the jar on your counter and remember to give it a good shake every day for 5 days to a week or so.
4. The shaking helps the sugar absorb the blooms moisture and oils over time which is what makes it so delicious.
5. After about a week of shaking, pour the sugar onto a baking sheet and let it air dry and reduce moisture.
6. After it dries out you can pour it through a sieve to remove the clumps of petals and place it back into the jar or…
7. Run it through the food processor to incorporate the dried lilac petals and place it back into the jar for storage.
10 Ways to use your lilac sugar
Using lilac sugar in my cup of tea is my favorite- it’s especially good in a chamomile blend like Nap & Nourish.
Whip with 35% cream to make lilac whipped cream.
Cream with butter in your favourite cake recipe or sprinkle on top of scones, sugar cookies or pie crust before baking.
Use in place of regular sugar in your favourite homemade ice cream recipe.
Place in small jars and give as party or wedding favors.
Add to fresh chopped berries, let the berries macerate, and use over shortcake.
Use with black tea to make a lilac infused kombucha.
Melt into a lilac simple syrup and use as an ingredient in a homemade lemonade, iced tea, mocktail or popsicles!
Rim the glass of a summer cocktail.
Blend with coconut oil to make lilac sugar scrub for your skin.
Iced tea maker video for Mother's Day
Check out our newest iced tea maker. It’s a game changer for summer sipping. Included in our Mother’s Day Gift Box!
Tea Brewing tips to make every cup better!
Graduating from good old Lipton tea bags can be confusing. Just wandering through the tea aisle at the grocery store can be daunting. If you’ve overwhelmed about where to start here’s a guide on how to make tea from scratch that you can follow to baby step your way into the wide world of tea.
How to Make a Cup of Tea Step by Step
Making the perfect cup of tea is simple. So let’s start at the very beginning.
There are only three things you need to worry about: tea, temperature and time:
Choose and measure your loose tea
Heat fresh filtered water to the correct temperature
Steep for the right amount of time
Then you can simply sit back and enjoy your well-brewed cup of tea!
What is Tea?
While most people think that tea is any kind of leaf in a tea bag that’s steeped in hot water, there are some differences.
Black Tea, White Tea, Green Tea
The only “true teas” are teas made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, which is an evergreen shrub native to China and India. Black tea, green tea, and white tea are all made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, so they are all true teas. The processing of the tea leaves is what makes them taste and look differently and creates the different colors and shapes.
Herbal Teas and Red Teas
Herbal teas and red teas are not really teas at all. They are technically classified as tisanes.
Tisanes — beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water.
So tea is a tisane, but a tisane is not necessarily a tea. Unless of course that tisane blended with the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Basic Types of Tea
If you’re just starting out making your own tea, there are a few basic kinds of tea to start with:
Black Tea
Black tea is one of the most popular teas.It also goes through the most processing. The processing turns the tea leaves into a robust, strong tasting tea. It’s usually dark brown or black when brewed. And it also has the most caffeine with 60-90 mg of caffeine in every 8 ounces. Popular varieties of black tea that are easy to find are:
Darjeeling – full-bodied and strong
Puerh – earthy and smooth
Ceylon – strong and bold
English Breakfast – robust enough to go well with milk and sugar
Earl Grey – flavored with bergamot for a citrusy taste
Green Tea
Green tea is processed less than black tea. It’s full of antioxidants and is usually a pale green color.The flavor of green tea can vary like a fine wine, based on where it was grown and the soil and climate. Green tea is a great tea for beginners but does become bitter if brewed for too long.
White Tea
White tea is the least processed of the four main tea types. It’s considered healthier because of its minimal processing. It’s described as having a delicate, sweet flavor without the astringent taste of other teas.
Popular types of white tea are:
Silver Needle – delicate sweet flavor
White Peony – darker and more robust than Silver Needle
Oolong Tea
This tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It’s neither black tea nor green tea but somewhere in the middle. The way it’s processed can make it lean more toward black tea, or more toward green tea characteristics. Because of the complexity in the production and brewing methods, it’s hard to describe the “average” oolong tea. It’s one of the most expensive and highest quality teas in the world.
Herbal Teas (Tisanes)
Since herbal teas are made from virtually anything other than the leaves of the Camellia Senensis plant, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Here are a few popular herbal tea choices:
Chamomile tea – calming effects
Peppermint tea – good for digestive issues
Rooibos tea – may improve bone health
Echinacea tea – great for colds and flu
Why Do I Care What Kind of Tea I Have?
Choosing your tea is the foundation of how to make tea properly. Because once you choose your tea, everything else falls in place. To get the perfect cup of tea, the type of tea dictates the optimum steep time and best water temperature to use.
So, go ahead and pick one and we’ll move onto the next step in the process of making tea.
How to Make Tea With Tea Leaves
If you want to learn how to make tea without tea bags, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. Tea sold on its own without a tea bag is known as loose leaf tea. Loose leaf tea is of higher quality than tea in tea bags, and it’s always going to taste better too.
So go for the loose leaf! You’ll be glad you did.
Step 1: Measure Your Loose Tea
Measuring Loose Tea:
Use one heaping teaspoon for every 8 ounces of water. So for an average mug, use about 1 heaping teaspoon of loose tea.
Step 2: Figure out Your Brewing Vessel
You just need to decide if you’ll brew your tea in your mug and strain it out, or you’ll try a tea infuser, or use a teapot. I have so many gadgets now, I have a special part of my pantry dedicated to tea storage!
Step 3: Heat Your Water to the Right Temperature
When it comes to water temperature you want to choose the best temp for your tea type.
Generally speaking, black and herbal teas need hotter water to bring out the depth of flavor, while more delicate green and white teas need slightly less hot water.
While there is still some debate on this issue, here are some guidelines:
Black Tea Temperature: 195° to 205° F (right around boiling)
Green Tea Temperature: 170° to 180° F (well below boiling)
White Tea Temperature: 170° to 180° F (well below boiling)
Oolong Tea Temperature: 185° to 195° F (just below boiling)
Herbal Tea Temperature: 208° to 212° F (right around boiling)
Going to become a tea connoisseur? You may want to invest in a kettle with a thermometer so you’ll always have perfectly heated water.
Heat fresh, filtered water to the correct temperature and get ready for the next step: steeping.
Step 4: Steep for the Correct Amount of Time for Your Tea
So now you’ve got your loose tea measured and your water hot, here comes the fun part: brewing your tea.
Brewing loose tea takes a bit longer than brewing with a tea bag. Here are some guidelines based on the type of tea:
Black tea steeping time: 4-5 minutes
Green tea steeping time: 3-4 minutes
White tea steeping time: 3-4 minutes
Oolong tea steeping time: 3 minutes
Herbal tea steeping time: 4-5 minutes
It may seem silly but do set a timer. I always set a timer on my phone… You’ve gone to all this trouble, so don’t drop out now.
Tips for Tea Steeping Success
When heating water, the microwave will do in a pinch, but it is not recommended for optimal tea steeping results. A proper tea kettle is recommended.
Be sure to pour the hot water over the tea leaves, rather than adding the leaves to a cup or pot that already has hot water in it.
Ensure the tea infuser is fully submerged beneath the water while steeping and it is large enough to allow the leaves to properly expand and open, releasing their full flavor.
Remove the infuser or tea bag as soon as steeping is finished, in order to prevent over-steeping and bitterness.
If using tea bags, do not squeeze them during the steeping process, as this can also lead to bitterness.
Before steeping, you may wish to preheat your teapot and also your cup. This step helps to prevent your teapot from cracking due to the sudden change in temperature and keeps your cold cup from dropping the temperature of your poured tea too quickly. Simply pour some of the heated water into the empty teapot and/or cup and swirl it around, allowing it to warm the pot. Then, discard the water.
Remember – as you gain experience with steeping tea, you may learn that you have unique preferences regarding the quantity of tea leaves, water temperature, steeping times, and even steeping tools.
Summary: It’s as simple as the 3 Ts!
Choose your loose tea
Heat your water to the right temperature
Steep for the correct amount of time
Then drink up! It’s tea time somewhere!
Still have questions on tea brewing? Let us know in the comments below and we will be happy to get back to you!
Unlock Your Inner Medicine with the Power of Adaptogens
Meet the Plants that hold the key to your inner medicine cabinet. They are known as Adaptogens.
Adaptogenic herbs and roots have been used traditionally for thousands of years by indigenous peoples all over the world to increase vitality and health. They tend to be plants that are high in antioxidants, are anti-inflammatory and also good at boosting energy and mood levels- what’s not to love?. The name of these herbs, roots and mushrooms, adaptogens, is derived from their ability to help you adapt to different situations in life. Turning to them in times of stress can help unlock your body’s ability to heal and feel revitalized.
Although there has been a recent surge of interest in North America around adaptogens- they have a long history of use. Ginseng was mentioned in written texts in China as far back as 196 AD described it as a "superior tonic". Ginseng was also in ancient books of scripture knows as the Vedas from India as giving, “The strength of the horse, the mule, the goat, the ram, moreover the strength of the bull it bestows on him. This herb will make thee so full of lusty strength that thou shalt, when excited, exhale heat as a thing of fire.”
The root and leaves of American Ginseng, native to eastern North America, were considered sacred by indigenous peoples who used it for headaches, croup, for soothing eyes and as a poultice for wounds. Documented medicinal use for Rhodiola dates back at least to A.D. 77 when a physician recommended it for headaches.
The Soviet Union was where the term adaptogen was first appeared in 1947. Russian scientists led the way in adaptogen research around the body and stress. They discovered that adaptogens do for your adrenal glands what exercise does for muscles, basically helping them increase mental and work capacity even against a background of stress and fatigue.
Adaptogens Work with You on a Personal Level.
There are lots of different ways that adaptogens are used around the world, which is not surprising considering many of them have been in constant use for centuries.
Part of the difficulties with adaptogen research is that they can have different results between people or even within the same body. In some studies, ginseng relieves anxiety and in other studies, it stimulates anxiety. Equally some studies show that ginseng raises blood pressure while in others lowers it. Adaptogens work with your body to make the adjustments that you personally need. This is what makes them so interesting, and also controversial within western medicine. The same herb may stimulate adrenal action and energy while also helping you relax and sleep better. They can adjust levels of hormones, raising those that are low while lowering those that are elevated.
The effectiveness of adaptogens not only depend on the state of the person being tested but also how they are combined with other herbs and used over time. Many adaptogens are intended to be taken over a longer period of time where their effects can be gentle and subtle, but very powerful. Ginseng taken over time, for example, increases energy and sexual vigor, improves skin and muscle tone, and helps build resistance to stress.
Do adaptogens have side effects?
Any plant, can be allergenic for some people, but there’s not much evidence to suggest that adaptogens have serious side effects. It is possible that some could adaptogens could interfere with prescription medications and are not recommended for people with certain conditions. Rhodiola, for example, may cause mild episodes of dizziness, dry mouth, sleep problems or jitteriness, because of its mild stimulant-type effect. Astragalus has deep immune activation, which might cause counteractions for those taking immunosuppressant drugs. Women who are pregnant should avoid Ashwagandha, Schisandra, and Tulsi (holy basil). Always refer to your medical care provider for questions about your health and taking herbs or supplements.
How do you add adaptogens to your life?
There is an ever-growing list of products- pills, drinks, tinctures and salves incorporating adaptogens. If you’re looking for a straight dose of herbs, you can sip adaptogen teas or combine tinctures with water.
To add adaptogens to the foods you’re already eating, you can buy the pre-mixed powder to spice up everything from smoothies to soups to salad dressings.
Some adaptogens can be taken as capsules but it is largely buyer beware in the marketplace for adaptogen shoppers, so caution is required. Be aware of the active ingredients in the product being sold.
Although they are not yet on the radar for many doctors, others who are knowledgeable about alternative medicine like naturopaths, herbalists, and chiropractors should also be able to provide reliable information.
Some Adaptogens To Get to Know
1. Strengthen your overall system using the mushroom king – Chaga. Chaga’s origins are in Northern countries, where traditionally the Chaga was taken to assist the body and mind in dealing with harsh conditions. Chaga is also loaded with antioxidants. Taking it when things aren’t going as planned will support your overall wellbeing and allow you to respond better and quicker to the changing situation. Try our Hot CHAGAlate for a delicious adaptogenic cocoa mix!
2. Calm your mind and balance your hormones with Tulsi. The Goddess of herbs-Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is a sacred plant in Hinduism. It works with your lungs, which is commonly where anxiety sits, to bring sensations of calmness and relaxation that will allow you to restore balance within the body and significantly reduce stress. Try Tulsi Green tea, Heart of Gold tea, Jasmine Green or North Coast Immunitea for a cup of our farm grown tulsi!
3. If a situation and associated stress is causing you to lose sleep, try introducing the mushroom Reishi. Reishi supports deep and quality sleep and together with a thoughtful bedtime routine can help you both to fall asleep quicker and to sleep throughout the night. Sleep is of huge importance in order to keep healthy in the long and short run, so this is a big one. Reishi mushrooms can be found wild in the Oregon rainforest and the powdered mushroom can be added to soups or teas.
4. For boosted Immunity you can try Astragalus. A perennial flowering plant, astragalus has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dating back 2,000 years. This adaptogen herb is a member of the pea or legume family.Whether for energizing the body, strengthening immunity, or nourishing and satiating appetite, it can ward off both physical and mental stress and help to combat various illnesses. Try astragalus in our North Coast Immunitea blend.
5. Licorice Root the sweetest adaptogen. Naturally sweet tasting licorice is a powerful adaptogen that benefits the lungs, skin, digestion and nervous system. It helps regulate the adrenal system and production of the stress hormone cortisol and also helps the body naturally lose fat and helps with menopausal symptoms. Try licorice root in our soothing Anise Bliss tea blend.
Health Disclaimer
Many of you have already experienced herbal medicine’s positive effect on your health. I hope that these blog articles give you tools to take an even greater role in your own well-being. The content on our website is for educational purposes only. No post should be considered health advice. You are responsible for consulting a medical professional before trying any new herb or remedy mentioned in the website or any related forum.
The information I provide is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment. Please consult your medical care provider before using herbal medicine, particularly if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.
You are responsible for your own health. As with conventional medicine, herbal medicine is vast and complex, and must be used responsibly. People react differently to different remedies. Some herbs are contraindicated with certain pharmaceutical drugs. There are many plants and mushrooms that can make you sick, or are deadly poisonous. Be 100% of your identification before you harvest any plant or mushroom.
Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented here. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods, supplements, essential oils, or lifestyle changes have not been evaluated by medical professional or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. I, the author of this North Fork 53 Communitea Blog, will not accept responsibility for the actions or consequential results of any action taken by any reader.