Morman Tea
 

On our recent camping trip to the Great Basin area, I (re)discovered Morman tea. When I was a pretty young buck, my grandmother in Ely, Nevada used to make it for me. Apparently, folks just either love the brew or hate it and I must of liked it. I had forgotten what the plant looks like until I saw some at Great Basin National Park. Attached are a couple of photos. BTW, you can drink it either hot or cold- I'm sipping a nice cool glass as I post this! :D

It's neat to rediscover things from our childhoods, isn't it?

Does Mormon tea taste like anything we might be familiar with or is it unique? (And, don't say it tastes like chicken.) :D

- Jack

Hey Jack! No it don't taste like chicken. It's hard for me to describe the taste but it has an earthy taste, almost like a mild sage. I found a couple of websites which give a little more info:

Mormon Tea | Tea Infusion

https://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot....-probably.html

As far as preparation, I'm still trying to figure out a good recipe. I've been taking a couple of bunches of the stems (still green) and boiling them for 12 minutes in 8 cups of water. Need to strain it after boiling unless you like chewing on stems! Seems to work well but I just used the last batch so need to try and find some more. It seems prefers the higher elevations so I may be able to grow some on our property (5,600 ft.)

Article
 

This article about Morman tea just appeared in our local newspaper last week. Turns out it grows here locally (who knew?)

The article may prompt you to answer a survey question before you can view it so just answer and it should pop up:

Pen In Hand: Ephedra, the first tea of Tehachapi - Tehachapi News

Mormon tea
 

Just a warning, if you have cardiac problems watch out. Ephedra is a plant based epinephrine type drug. Epherdra containing products were taken off the market over ten years ago. Look up Ripped Fuel containing Mahuong root.

Would hate to hear of one of us lovers of Hi-lo's to get sick.

Good reminder, Danny- as with any food or substance you put into your body, know what's in it and how it may affect you!

Gregg, thanks for the reminder of foods and beverages past. It made me think of my days of youth when my grandmother made saffron bread for my dad and my grandfather. This also was a "either you like it or you don't" food. My wife sent me into the pharmacy many years ago to buy a small amount so she could surprise my dad with a batch of saffron rolls and I discovered when paying why it was a special event item only.

I was introtuced to the tea by my dad in nevada. We call it Pauite teas. The indains drank this tea. Its cool because they are in my blood line.

Yes, it has many names. I'm sure the Mormans discovered it from the native Americans. I found the plant at a California natives nursery so I planted a couple on my property. It will be a while before I can harvest it but it's fun to watch them grow!

tea
 

:D Your probably right