Herbal Teas on the Cheap: Part 10 - Marjoram

Marjoram is a cold sensitive perennial herb with woody stems. It blooms from June through August and is propagated by root division in the Fall. The whole plant has a strong, fragrant balsamic odor and a warm, pine taste with hints of citrus. Large quantities are still gather and hung in cottages for making Marjoram tea.

Marjoram is used extensively in the modern kitchen and the fresh leaves are perfect on a salad. This aromatic herb was once used to make "swete washing water" that our forefathers used to scour their furniture. The juice of this plant were also widely used as a perfume before the introduction of modern perfumes.

It appears that I will not be growing Marjoram as is grows in zones 7 through 9. However, I am looking into sources for purchasing the ingredients that I cannot grow locally. I found a company called Monterey Bay Spice Company that seems very reasonable in price.

Harvesting, Drying and Storing
The leaves are are harvest and used fresh or dried. Traditionally, the tops of the plant are cut just as it begins to flower and laid out in the shade to dry slowly. The leaves may be harvested and dried in a dehydrator. Store in an air tight container in a cool dark place for maximum shelf life.

Herbal Teas on the Cheap: Part 2 - Found Recipes

Searching the Internet, I found some recipes for herbal tea blends at Straight From the Farm :



We will look at each ingredient is more depth in following posts, and perhaps come up with some blends of our own.

HERBAL TEA RECIPES
Created by Straight from the Farm

Floral Fantasy Tea
3 parts Lavender
3 parts Yarrow
1 part Chamomile
1 part Stevia


Spiced Anise Tea
4 parts Anise Hyssop
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Vanilla Bean
1 part Cloves


Devoted Remembrance Tea
3 parts Rosemary
3 parts Lavender
3 parts Marjoram
2 parts Anise Hyssop


Dark Rose Tea
2 parts Rose Hips
3 parts Anise Hyssop
3 parts Yarrow
1 part Bergamot


Aromatic Mint Tea
2 parts Spearmint
1 part Marjoram
1 part Sweet Woodruff
1 part Sage

Good Start Tea
2 parts Yarrow
2 parts Rose Hips
2 parts Lavender
1 part Marjoram
1 part Stevia


Chocolate Mint Tea
4 parts Chocolate Mint
3 parts Lavender
2 parts Sweet Woodruff
1 part Stevia
1 part Rose Hips


Black Licorice Tea
2 parts Anise Hyssop
2 parts Bergamot
2 parts Marjoram
2 parts Spearmint


Everything & More Tea
1 part Lavender
1 part Yarrow
1 part Anise Hyssop
1 part Stevia
1 part Spearmint
1 part Bergamot
1 part Rose Hips
1 part Calendula

Love Charm Tea
3 parts Yarrow
1 part Lavender
1 part Anise Hyssop
1 part Spearmint