About Labrador tea
Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum, syn. Ledum groenlandicum), also known as Greenland Labrador tea, is an aromatic shrub found in Québec. Harvested in Québec, its dried leaves have an herbal, slightly resinous flavour with notes reminiscent of cedar and green tea.
Enjoyed as an herbal infusion, it also has a place in the kitchen, adding flavour to game, fish, sauces and even certain desserts. A small amount is enough to bring a boreal touch to your cooking.
Format: 15 g, available in a bulk bag.
How to prepare a Labrador tea infusion
Place 1 teaspoon of lightly crumbled dried leaves in a cup. Add 250 ml of hot water at around 90 to 95 °C, then steep for 5 minutes, off the heat. Strain before drinking.
Consume in moderation, with no more than one cup per day. Avoid very concentrated infusions or prolonged steeping.
How to use Labrador tea in cooking
Use the leaves to infuse a liquid, such as broth, sauce, cream or a marinade. Remove the leaves or strain the preparation before serving.
For easy removal, place the leaves in a tea infuser, an infusion bag or cheesecloth. Start with a small amount: their forest-inspired aroma can quickly overpower other ingredients.
What dishes pair well with it?
- Game and meat: use it to flavour a sauce served with venison, moose or hare.
- Fish and seafood: add it to a poaching broth or a creamy sauce.
- Sauces and marinades: bring an herbal, resinous note to recipes, especially with shallots, mushrooms or a touch of maple.
- Soups: infuse it in the broth for a vegetable or mushroom soup.
- Desserts: delicately flavour cream, panna cotta or an apple dessert.
- Drinks: enjoy as a light infusion, served hot or chilled, on its own or with a touch of honey.
Ingredient and storage
Ingredient: 100% dried Labrador tea leaves.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from light, heat and moisture.
Precautions for use
Consume in moderation. Avoid very concentrated preparations and excessive consumption.
As a precaution, avoid consuming Labrador tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding without advice from a healthcare professional. If you take medication or have a medical condition, seek advice before consumption.
Frequently asked questions
What does Labrador tea taste like?
It has an herbal, slightly resinous flavour with notes reminiscent of cedar and green tea. Its forest-inspired character pairs well with both savoury dishes and certain desserts.
Can Labrador tea be used for more than herbal infusions?
Yes! Its leaves can flavour broth, marinades, sauces or cream. Use a small amount, then remove the leaves or strain the preparation.
Do the leaves need to be ground before use?
There is no need to grind them for infusions. Keeping them whole makes them easier to remove afterwards.
What ingredients pair well with Labrador tea?
Labrador tea pairs particularly well with game, fish, mushrooms, apples, cream, honey and maple syrup.
