On day 14 I’m almost half-way through April’s Wild Tea Quest. I notice a theme has emerged. I’ve worked out what lures me in. It’s colour and form and scent. I want to share my tea break with those that tickle my senses. Especially the unusual and fleeting.
There is such variety to choose from when making a wild or urban foraged tea.
The scent of maple flowers stop me in my tracks. The contrast of the yellow flowers against the red leaves of the “Royal Red” variety turn my head. In fact, wow, just WOW! Nature is just stunning.
It lures me in and I can’t take my eyes away. I feel like a honeybee drawn to sweet nectar.
It’s an invitation. An invitation into the energy of awe and reverence.
An invitation to sit a while.
An invitation to fill my cup.
ID features
Norway Maples have large palm shaped leaves with 5 pointed lobes and serrated edges. The one I picked today is a red variety and has red leaf buds, red leaves, red flower stalks and red fruits.
The flowers, however, are yellow, perhaps with a slight greenish tint. They have 5 petals and 5 sepals that are hard to distinguish until closer inspection. It was easy to see the stamen with pollen at its tips.
There are about 20-30 flowers in each cluster, many of which drop off in the wind and never develop into fruit. The fruit are the winged samaras aka “helicopters”. As children we used to enjoy collecting the dry ones and throwing them up into the air to watch them spin back down.
Norway Maple flowers and samaras can be distinguished from sycamore flowers and samaras by the way they are arranged. On the Norway they grow in clusters and the two-winged seeds are attached together in a straight line. Whereas the sycamore flowers hang in spikes, forming a shape like a bunch of grapes. Additionally, their samaras are attached at an angle which is more triangular and downward pointing.
Medicinal uses
Maple syrup is a familiar food to most households in the northern hemisphere, and yet to my knowledge very little research has been done on the medicinal qualities of the other parts of the tree, such as the flowers.
Like the sap, it they are likely to contain vitamins and minerals like manganese, riboflavin and zinc. Some suggest it is a healthier alternative to a sports drink when exercising. It also has antioxidant activity.
Norway maple has been used as medicine in Central and Northern Europe for centuries. The buds, leaves, sap and bark were used. It is drying and cooling, so can be used for a fever. One application is to use crushed leaves on the soles of the feet.
Andreea Laza, (of “My Natural Treatment”), says,
“Freshly squeezed juice of leaves and seeds has tonic, diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties”.
I’ve always wondered what the seeds taste like. I’ve watched the squirrels out my window munching on them for years.
How to make a cuppa
I picked a few clusters of flowers for my cup, including the stalks.
The best time to harvest flowers is mid to late morning, once the dew has dried and the sun has encouraged the phytochemicals to strengthen. Best before a strong sun has dried them out too much. Bright mornings generally make tastier plant material.
Taste
The scent is like maple syrup. Even just walking beneath the bows. Eating the flowers is crips and fresh. They taste slightly astringent, and the sweet nectar is very apparent. Some liken the taste to honeysuckle.
References:
Ref: https://www.mynaturaltreatment.com/maple-tree-uses-benefits-home-remedies/
For those Local to me:
My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.
There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.
£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services
Herbal Medicine Consultations
I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's medicine chest. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk
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