d’Origina, an organic herb company I discovered on a trip to Saguenay Fjord, Quebec, specializes in Labrador. Not the dog, but the medicinal herb growing wild in the boreal forests of Canada.
Labrador was used by many First Nations tribes (akin to US Native American tribes) to treat stomach and skin ailments. It has also been reported to be used by tribeswomen before birth to assist in labor pains for its sedative properties.
When brewed, d’Origina’s Labrador Tea Tisane has a very distinctive aroma: pungent, fungal and earthy. It tastes similar to Jasmine tea. From the taste and smell of it, I can understand why it was used medicinally. Most likely, labrador tea is an acquired taste like oysters or whisky.
d’Orignia recommends adding maple syrup, lemon and ice for a healthy ice tea or using the leaves in making game, Asian dishes, soups and salads to add an exotic flair.
Elder Bertha Skye of Cree Tribe talks about Labrador Tea
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5HAzPnC5OI?version=3]
Labrador Tea is commonly referred to as Bog Labrador Tea, James Tea, Marsh Tea, or Swamp Tea (it’s harvested from lowland bogs).
Next time you’re in the Quebec forest, make sure you have a trained naturalist or herbalist check your harvest before you consume it. It looks very similar to Sheep Laurel which is a toxic plant.
d’Origina, a Girardville Forestry Cooperative, also offers organic spices, cosmetics, and essential oils highlighting the flavors of Quebec’s boreal forest. www.dorigina.com
If you’d rather eat Quebec’s wild foraged food rather than harvest it, NY Times did a beautiful feature, Picky Eaters on Francis Brouillard’s forage restaurant À la Table des Jardins Sauvages (Wild Foods in English). François Brouillard forages in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, about 45 minutes northeast of Montreal.
Like the discovery of Labrador, Saguenay Fjord is a wonderland of sublime outdoor explorations. To plan your trip, visit www.saguenaylacsaintjean.ca.
Photos by the author.