If there is one thing we have an abundance of on our island, it is literally bush, grass, vegetation! Everything is green, not because it wants to be but because it literally has to be! What else should nature create when it has an over abundance of fertile earth, life encouraging sunshine, and enough rain to keep everything flourishing and alive. Crucians are nothing if not creative, and over time we have learned to use what is available to us in creative and necessary ways. And nothing is more elemental and nourishing than a steaming cup of Bush Tea!!
As the winter winds push their way into our tropical climate, there is nothing more soothing than a steaming cup of tea to start the day off right. Growing up, I rarely had tea from a bag. Tea for me was whatever grew in our yard. My mother would let us choose our own tea in the morning. It wasn’t individually wrapped and plastic contained. Instead, whoever was asked to “go get some tea bush”, would decide what they felt like. Lemongrass, and mint, were among some of our favorites. My mother insisted that every day begin with something “hot in your stomach”. So, juice would come after, and soda never came.
If you had the flu, white sage was good for that. If you had bronchitis, then you drank white head bush. If you couldn’t sleep, the leaves from the soursop tree would help you rest. If you had high blood pressure, then you drank vervine. For every ailment there was a natural remedy. Now, we talk about teas in terms of greens, and blacks, and phytochemicals, and antioxidants. But here on the island, every morning begins on green. It is not uncommon to go to any office building on the island and find offerings of both coffee and bush tea.
As a government attorney, I often have to appear before our Legislature to offer commentary on various bills. I have to say, the best cup of bush tea I ever had was at the St. Croix Legislature. Interesting place to find such a great foodie gem. Everyone has their own blend of herbs they put together to create their bush tea. Common combinations include lemongrass, basil, mint, and other additions.
Food is truly alchemy. Hot or Iced Tea, its amazing what happens when you combine fragrant grasses and boiling water. Such a simple process can create such incredibly complex flavors. If you have never had a cup of fresh bush tea, you have to take a trip to the island!
Hi,
I am happy to have discovered your lovely blog by way of another of my favourite sites Uncommon Caribbean. My own favourite bush teas are vervaine and lemongrass. Here lemongrass is called fever grass.
I agree, Wizzy! Vervaine is a really nice tea bush!! So glad you enjoy the blog! 🙂
I have tried to explain Bush Tea to my stateside friends and they just don’t get it! I am so happy I’ve stumbled upon your blog. I’ll be trying out some of these recipes soon!
Thank you, Nora! Are you from the V.I. also? I knew someone named Nora who grew up here, was just wondering. Glad you enjoy the blog and feel free to share it! 🙂
Found one of your older post on Bush Tea. Since my herb garden is thriving thought I’d make a pot.
When we were at Ziggy’s Island Market a few years ago they told me it was basil, lemon grass, and bay leaf. I like the idea of using fresh mint instead of bay leaf. I have also been adding fresh stevia for a hint of sweetness.
Thank you for all your food tips.
How did your husband make the duck you posted a while back? It looks so good.
He has his own way of cooking! And I have my own way of savoring all his treats!! lol. Thank you for enjoying my posts. I haven’t in a while, and your words remind me that it is important. <3
Hello. I am in the mainland and was trying to find out another name for Bush Tea so that I can plant some here in Florida.
Bush Tea is just tea made from locally sourced herbs. My favorite blend is mint, lemongrass, and Basil/Balsalm. You can also add a bay leaf.
How nice to find your site! It was the result of a search after watching a show in which the main character often indulged in ‘bush tea’. If it consists of what’s in the yard, then my version would be dandelion, plantain (not the banana kind) and mint, with maybe some ginger grated into it. God bless!
I’ve never had plantain bush! What does that taste like?
Aunt Tanisha!! This is your niece Mish Mish. I knew you had this blog and I’m soooooo grateful you started it. Currently on the hunt for some bush tea ingredients in south Florida. If you have any recommendations. Let me know!
Hi Shelly! You can use lemongrass and Basil. Those are really good combos.
Good afternoon Crucian Contessa! I love your site and will tell you I just made some bush tea. I called my mother this morning on St. Thomas and asked her what I should put in my bush tea and she said almost exactly what you did! 🙂 My kids and husband are down with the flu and so I decided to use fresh thyme – a more savory option. I let it simmer for a good while and it is truly natures medicine. Wishing you well and many warm cups of good bush tea!
That is awesome!! I am so glad you got a good cup of Bush Tea. It is so good, especially during this time.
I was introduced to bush tea via my Crucian mother-in-law, and boy what a lovely introduction that was.
Every visit, I hsve a terrible GI episode from something I had eaten previously. She made me a HUGE pot and good goddess if that didn’t do the trick. Cramps subsided, and could I finally leave the bathroom to get some proper rest. Even though it’s 200 degrees and I hate the heat, I always have it hot because it just feels better goin’ down.
Good stuff!
Used to work in legal firm in St Croix. Fellow worker (Cherry) made Bush Tea. Back states side and miss Bush Tea. Made for a pleasant morning. Will try these. 😎
There really is nothing as wonderful as Bush Tea!