Wintergreen

Known as a winter plant due to its elegant berries. Not many people know the many uses of this North American plant! The berries can be eaten both raw and cooked and have a bright, spicy taste; the taste improves after frost. The young leaves are eaten raw and have a pleasant bite. Very popular is the delicious tea, which is made from the leaves; after fermenting the red leaves, a strong tea is produced. For Native Americans, this plant was very important as a painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant. The oil extracted from this plant contains the same substances as aspirin. Not suitable for people with an allergy to salicylates.

Names:
Latin: Gaultheria procumbens
Dutch: Bergthee
Also known as: Oosterse wintergroen
English: Checkerberry, Boxberry, Teaberry