flipKawakawa infusion, the comfort of the bush
Kawakawa infusion, the comfort of the bush
Why this dish? Best devoted pages to the forest knowledge and remedies (rongoā) of the Māori. Under the rain of Urewera, a hot infusion of kawakawa leaves warmed the body as much as it soothed minor ailments.
A tisane from kawakawa leaves, the native 'pepper tree' of Aotearoa, with a peppery and slightly bitter flavor. This family version is inspired by rongoā without claiming to reproduce a sacred or medical use.
When the forest chill settled in my bones, a decoction of kawakawa leaves was prepared for me, this plant whose leaves are often riddled by a small insect—a sign, they said, of the best leaves. I noted with respect that this rongoā knowledge was not given lightly, and I would refrain from using it in ways I do not master. But as a simple hot drink, slightly peppery, it warmed me many an evening under the Urewera rain. A spoonful of honey, and it was a balm.
- •Kawakawa leaves (Piper excelsum) — a handful (aromatic plant)
- •Hot spring water — per cup (infusion)
Kawakawa infusion, the comfort of the bush
A tisane from kawakawa leaves, the native 'pepper tree' of Aotearoa, with a peppery and slightly bitter flavor. This family version is inspired by rongoā without claiming to reproduce a sacred or medical use.
Why this dish? Best devoted pages to the forest knowledge and remedies (rongoā) of the Māori. Under the rain of Urewera, a hot infusion of kawakawa leaves warmed the body as much as it soothed minor ailments.
When the forest chill settled in my bones, a decoction of kawakawa leaves was prepared for me, this plant whose leaves are often riddled by a small insect—a sign, they said, of the best leaves. I noted with respect that this rongoā knowledge was not given lightly, and I would refrain from using it in ways I do not master. But as a simple hot drink, slightly peppery, it warmed me many an evening under the Urewera rain. A spoonful of honey, and it was a balm.
Ingredients (period version)
- Kawakawa leaves (Piper excelsum) — a handful (aromatic plant)
- Hot spring water — per cup (infusion)
Ingredients
- Dried kawakawa leaves — 1 tbsp (or failing that, mild peppery tea) (aromatic base)
- Simmering water — 250 ml (infusion)
- Honey — 1 tsp (sweetens)
- Lemon slice — 1 (optional) (freshness)
Method
- Heat water without bringing to a rolling boil.
- Pour over kawakawa leaves in a teapot.
- Let steep 5 to 8 min: the aroma becomes peppery and slightly bitter.
- Strain, sweeten with honey, add lemon if desired.
- Drink hot, ideally after a long walk.
How it was made : Kawakawa holds an important place in rongoā, Māori remedies, in forms that healers precisely mastered. Best documented these uses with caution. Here, only the spirit of a comforting hot drink is kept, without therapeutic intent.
The contemporary twist : Serve the infusion iced in summer, with a mint leaf: the peppery side of kawakawa makes a surprisingly lively iced tea.
Sources : Elsdon Best, Forest Lore of the Maori (1942) · Elsdon Best, Tuhoe: The Children of the Mist (1925)
Elsdon Best · Charactorium
