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.
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