Pineapple Weed Tea
Pineapple Weed is a member of the aster family, it is easily overlooked because it lacks petals.
Nikki Pineau, one of my dinner guests and Kevin Brunner’s partner, introduced the other guests at our foraged meal to pineapple weed tea. Its mild herbal taste with a hint of fruitiness was a hit.
Also known as wild chamomile, pineapple weed is yet another useful “weed” that grows lustily, especially along old gravel pathways in full sun. Though a member of the aster family, it is easily overlooked because it lacks petals. It looks a little like a small daisy with all its petals plucked.
Kevin and Nikki cut and air dry the pineapple weed flower heads before storing them in a canning jar. Like Kevin’s relationship with maple syrup, his connection with pineapple weed tea hearkens back to childhood, when his mom would give it to him to help soothe a sore stomach. Pineapple weed tea, sweetened with a little honey, still brings him comfort today. Kevin sips it on cold rainy days that keep him indoors.
Pineapple Weed Tea
Serves
6
Prep Time
Foraging
Cook Time
10
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of dried whole pineapple weed flower heads
Instructions
- Place about 1/3 cup of dried whole pineapple weed flower heads in a tea infuser and allow them to steep for about 10 minutes in enough hot water to make six cups of tea.
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