Winter may not be the most robust season for foraging, but if you take the time to get outside and pay attention, there’s still plenty to enjoy!
One of my favorite ways to make a cold winter walk more enticing is to forage and make a wild winter tea as I go. It’s easy to do and really helps you sink into all the season has to offer. Read on to learn how…
*Flora & Fora Insiders: I’ve made a special Winter Tea Foraging Guide especially for you! You’ll find it at the end of the article.
Hello Darkness, My Old Friend
I know it’s not technically winter until December 21st, but it sure feels like winter is here. When I set out on my morning walk, it’s clear that most all the plants have dropped deep into their roots for a well-deserved rest and the mountains in the distance look numb wearing their seasonally appropriate bare browns. There’s hoarfrost on the ground and a cold morning fog hugs the lake, but Lewis and I forge ahead.
I’m curious about what might happen if I actually give winter the respect it deserves…Winter is a sacred time, so I’ve been told. I’ve always been too busy for it.
Anna Fusco |
I don’t relish going out on mornings like this, but I can’t deny Lewis his favorite season. He will be ten in March. And even though the gray around his eyes lets me know his own winter season has started, cold mornings like this always bring out the frisky puppy in him.
The hardest part is getting started, but I know that once I get going, the cold weather will get me all sparked up too. And when it’s all said and done, I’m always glad I took the time to immerse myself in winter.
Most people don’t like winter—and I get it. People don’t like the cold and crave the light. But I rather like winter. As far as seasons go, it’s the ultimate introvert, and I think there’s a lot of wisdom in what winter forces us to do.
Winter forces us to settle in, slow down and pay attention.
Winter Foraging
Foraging is one of my favorite ways to turn winter walks into extra-special experiences. While clearly not the most bountiful of seasons, you’d be surprised at what all is out there—and it’s exactly that element of surprise that makes winter foraging such fun.
In contrast to summer foraging which can sometimes have that frenzied FOMO feel (“Omg—what I am I missing”), winter foraging has an air of calm contentment at even the smallest of finds.
My foraging goals have always been pretty modest, so winter suits me just fine. After all, I don’t depend on foraging for survival, and I’m not interested in mining expeditions. Foraging for me is about connection to the natural world. And foraging for wild tea is my favorite ways to make that connection.
Wild Winter Tea
It doesn’t take much to forage for and make a wild winter tea. All you need is some hot water and just a few choice leaves or berries. The results are always interesting—and healthy to boot. Foraged greens are jam-packed with dense nutrients and medicine.
Wild tea is subtle though. So don’t expect intense burst of flavor.
Our modern palettes are so over-stimulated as it is (ever notice how everything, from goldfish cracker to candy, is ‘flavor-blasted’? It’s kind of assaulting.) So, it may take a little time to pick up on all those understated elements. Just remember winter’s wisdom: slow down, settle in and pay attention.
Basic Instructions
Before you set out, get your thermos and fill it to about halfway with boiling water. I usually carry my thermos in a backpack, which has the added benefit of keeping my back nice and toasty. If you want to get extra fancy, you can also add a teacup and little pillow or blanket just in case your bench or resting rock is cold.
Once you get going, just take it slow and pay attention. I can just about guarantee you’ll find something tea-worthy. Maybe white pine needles? Or rose hips? Or wild violet leaves? In temperate climes, there are lots of weedy greens that are available all winter long like dandelions, chickweed and winter cress.
So, I just gather and add what I find to the water as I go. Consider starting with one plant and get to know its flavors really well. Then as time goes on you can add more varieties to a single brew. But it’s really up to you—it’s your tea.
The only hard and fast rule for tea foraging is: Safety First. Make sure you are 100% sure on your identification and only harvest from areas that you know are free from chemical use and pet waste.
Once I reach the halfway mark on our walk, I aim towards a place where I can sit an enjoy a warm little break. By then, the tea is ready. All I have to do is settle in and enjoy the experience.
So that’s pretty much it! Pretty simple right?
I hope the idea of wild winter tea inspires you to get out there and enjoy all that winter and its wisdom has to offer.
And be sure to let me know how it goes! I’d love to know what kind of tea you make! In fact, I’m sure others would too. So let us know where you are foraging and what you found in the comments below!
Oh, and by the way—if you are interested in learning more about the joys of Wintering, be sure to check out the work of
who has a whole book on the subject and a wonderful substack called; The Clearing. In fact, she recently posted an article on the Art of Hibernation that I’m sure you’ll love!Here is a video I made last year about making a foraged Winter Wellness Tea with several different ingredients.
And here’s a little something extra I made just for you Insiders—a Wild Winter Tea Foraging Guide with suggestions on things that may be in your area. Happy Sipping!