Strawberry top tea

By Sari Huhtala

Wait! Before you toss those strawberry tops into the composter, turn them into a healthful, high antioxidant, flavourful tea.

Each year I dehydrate the tops from fresh-picked strawberries, save them in a sealed jar and enjoy a warm strawberry top tea during the winter months. The sweet aroma of strawberries is magnified when the tops are dehydrated, and the nutrient-dense tops provide a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Raspberry, strawberry and blackberry leaves often have more antioxidant capacity than oregano, sweet balm, thyme, nettle and mint, which are known as rich sources of antioxidants, according to a 2011 study – Antioxidant Capacity and Antioxidants of Strawberry, Blackberry, and Raspberry Leaves – which appeared in a 2011 issue of the Czech Journal of Food Sciences.

Studies show the leaves of all three berries – strawberries, raspberries and blackberries – have more antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and more phenolic substances than the berries themselves. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) was developed by the National Institute of Health to measure the antioxidant capacity of various foods. The USDA recommends 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units daily to reduce free radical damage. This translates to about 5 to 8 servings of fruits and vegetables, depending on the ORAC value. To put it into perspective, 100 grams of raw raspberries has an ORAC value of 4,882.

Make fresh strawberry top tea on the spot, by saving the tops from the strawberries and adding them to a mug, then pouring boiling water over them. Let steep for several minutes and enjoy. Refrigerate your strawberry tops for up to three or four days, for tea, or dehydrate for a supply for the winter.

Enjoy!

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007.  She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Reach her at friends@thelaughingforest.ca