Northern Flavors

Quebec and Canada have a fabulous and delicious flora. If you have never had the opportunity to taste boreal plants, you absolutely must start.

We have several delicious local plants to try and a brand new house blend that combines some of them.

Conifers: 

Conifers cover the entire earth, with each region having its endemic species. It is interesting to note that wherever conifers are found, they are also found in local herbal pharmacopoeias.

Equally interesting, conifers are almost always used for respiratory health or their antibacterial qualities. These properties make them ideal infusions to consume during the winter when respiratory infections are common.

They also have both soothing and tonic aspects, allowing for non-nervous energy. As a bonus, these tree needles help to increase body heat.

We are pleased to offer Quebec-sourced fir and spruce.

Young shoots are harvested in early summer. 

Fir is very mild and honey-like, extremely safe for all age groups.

Spruce is slightly more pungent and citrusy, but when it comes to the buds, it is still safe, though perhaps less suitable for very young children. Reasonable quantities will be tolerated by all. An excess may cause loose stools. 

Both types of needles produce a clear liquor. Dried young buds facilitate infusion; indeed, when the needles are mature, it is best to simmer them briefly to extract the most flavor. 

Both fir and spruce shoots are sometimes used as spices in sauerkraut and salads.

Harvesting the needle buds respectfully ensures a sustainable harvest. 

Labrador Tea

Labrador tea, sometimes called "Lédon," is a Frenchization of the Latin name "Ledum groenlandicum" (for taxonomy enthusiasts, it has been reclassified as "Rhododendron groenlandicum").

Labrador tea has an interesting habitat: Lédons primarily grow in North America, past a certain northern latitude, and specifically in peaty environments in Quebec. Peatlands are fragile environments easily disturbed by human activity, which can endanger the survival of lédons. 

Labrador tea also has an interesting life cycle. If you know rhododendrons, you know a bit about this cycle. 

Indeed, harvesting should be avoided after a certain date once it has produced its buds (foliar buds) that will develop the following year, otherwise, the shrub will not develop.

Like many boreal plants, lédon has properties that promote lung health, mucus expectoration, and an antibacterial effect. 

It also has very sedative aspects that promote calm at the end of the day and can help with falling asleep. 

It is also a plant that warms the body and facilitates adaptation to winter. 

Its flavor is reminiscent of conifers, but the liquor produced is coppery. 

As a spice, it pairs well with meat stews, seasonings, or tomato sauces.

It should be avoided in children under 8 and pregnant women. Excessive quantities can cause digestive discomfort. 

Juniper

Juniper berries have been used for a very long time as a spice for sauerkraut or gravlax. Juniper has a resinous and persistent coniferous aroma, combining the sweetness of the berries. 

It is most often used in infusion blends for its antiseptic properties, particularly in the urinary tract. It adds a sweet pepperiness to infusions. It is rarely used at more than 20% in blends. Large quantities should be avoided in children and pregnant women. 

Sumac 

Staghorn sumac is very common in Quebec, and everyone can remember its very striking fuchsia clusters that appear mid-July in the trees. 

Making "sumacade" is a local curiosity; indeed, the acidic flavor of sumac allows for a tart and refreshing infusion, much like hibiscus or lemon.

It can be enjoyed cold or hot.

It is also a very popular spice in the Middle East, specifically as an acidifying spice, in dukkah recipes among others. 

Widely used by American Midwest herbalists as a refreshing plant, whether in summer or for conditions of body heat. It promotes sweating and is very antioxidant. 

Sumac belongs to the anacardiaceae family; people sensitive to cashews, pistachios, and mangoes should abstain. Otherwise, it is safe for all age groups. 

 Our Conifer Blend

We have combined our fir and spruce buds with mallow to soothe irritated mucous membranes, oat straw to calm the nervous system, a touch of mullein for expectoration, and sumac to acidify and promote fever reduction, along with juniper and spearmint to enhance the aromas.

It is both relaxing and energizing, all while allowing you to enjoy the boreal flavors from our Quebec suppliers. Don't miss trying it; it's worth the detour.