American Native Tea?

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

From The Boston Gazette, 1768: "Tea made from a plant or shrub (Ceanothus americanus) grown in Pearsontown about 20 miles from Portland, Maine, was served to a circle of ladies and gentlemen in Newbury Port, who pronounced it nearly, if not quite, its equal in flavor to genuine Bohea tea.

So important a discovery claims attention, especially at this crisis. If we have the plant, nothing is wanted but the process of curing it into tea of our own manufacture." This brew was quite popular during the American Revolution, instead of British tea.

It had many colloquial names: New Jersey Tea, Indian Tea, Walpole Tea, and Redroot, among others. Ironically, it was also shipped to Great Britain and the rest of Europe, as one of America's earliest exports.

To brew your own, first roast the leaves of Ceanothus americanus (available in herb shops and health food stores) in a "slow oven," about 250-300 degrees F., until crisp. Steep the roasted leaves in a cup of boiling water, about one teaspoon per cup. Add honey or brown sugar to taste.

Source http://www.umaine.edu/ceskl/Dishrag10,11,12%2004.pdf as the text appeared at this website.

Photo credit: erik james olsen.

Why is Rain Water Best For Plants?

Yesterday was the first day of Fall (Autumnal Equinox), and today September 23rd is the first "full day of autumn". Today it rained off and on again throughout the day. We received about 8/10th of an inch in total. This is excellent! This summer was hot and dry and we have been receiving precipitation again.



Today I visited with a client of mine. After discussing a landscaping proposal we both agreed that it was nice to see some much needed rain. My client then proceeded to tell me about the benefits of rain water versus tap water. He told me that rain water is more oxygenated than tap water, has a lower pH, and doesn't have chlorine in it. Our local city tap water is around pH 7.0, has low oxygen content and has chlorine and fluoride in it.



According to my client, plant root systems can uptake nutrients better when the pH is between 5 and 6.8. Plants really perk up after rainfall, and he as even seen where oxygenating devices were used to increase the yield of tomatoes and strawberries.



He even suggested that lightning may play a part like electrolysis to charge particles in rain, that additionally benefits plants.



Rain harvesting with rain barrels is becoming more popular practice because only 2.5% of the earths water is naturally fresh water. Our planets human population (over 6.6 billion) is souring and there is a need to conserve municipal water, and rain water for use.