My Little Acre

I live on an acre of land in a rural area. I have an old dog, a young cat, and some chickens and bees. My goal is to live a healthy and simple life with as little dependence on the outside world as is feasible, which is not to say I'm a hermit! I've been doing this a few years and I'm no where near where I want to be so still have plenty of things to learn and do. This blog will combine my own adventures getting there with things I've learned that other people might find useful.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Sumac Tea

Contrary to popular belief, most sumac are not poisonous. Poison sumac are similar, but have smooth edges and smooth white berries and grows in the Eastern part of the country. Edible sumac has fuzzy purple berries, grows in the mid-West and can be used to produce a drink high in vitamin C.

Pick the berries in July and August by cutting clusters off the trees. Put the berries in a piece of cheese cloth and soak for a few minutes in a pitcher of cool water. When berries are soaked, crush them and let them soak longer, until the tea is strong enough for your preference. Add sugar if you want and drink.

The berries can also be dried and used later.

Edited to add pictures of the trees. The leaves are green most of the year but turn very dark read in Autumn.