Sassafras Tea

Shrimptastic!'s Note:

A good ol timey, fine-tasting tea. A very unique blend of flavors. I've been making sassafras tea since I was little. Easy to make and worth the effort. A great country drink. Don't drink too often though as too much sassafras tea can be harmful. Prep time depends on how long it takes you to find 4 4' tall saplings :)

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 10

• 4 1/4 inches sassafras root, means 4 pieces sassafras root 1/4 " to 1/2-inch inch in diameter
• 2 quarts water
• sugar or honey

Directions:

1. Gather or buy the sassafrass root. Wash roots and cut saplings off where they're green and where the root ends.
2. Bring water to a boil and add roots.
3. Simmer until the water is a deep brownish red (the darker the stronger -- I like mine strong).
4. Strain into a pitcher through wire and a coffee filter if you don't want any sediment.
5. Add honey or sugar to taste.
6. Serve hot or cold (I like mine ice cold) with lemon and a sprig of mint.

Reviews

[Sueski]

Perfect Tea Everytime! Thank you for posting.
Not afraid of drinking this...everything in moderation.
Heck, even the sun burns if you get too much.

[Chef #1254645]

Great recipe! Anyone afraid to try it due to the review stating it can cause cancer should google "artificial safrole caused cancer in rats." What the FDA doesn't make clear is that astronomical quantities of ARTIFICIAL safrole caused cancer. The artificial, or synthetic, version of alot of substances including vitamins are detrimental to ones health. These are almost always what the supposed studies scaring you away from alot of good NATURAL remedies are based upon. It's all about money folks - do your own research and decide for yourself - the FDA hasn't had our best interest at heart for a very long time. Google Aspartame & Donald Rumsfeld OR synthetic vitamin A vs. natural vitamin A for a couple good examples.

[FishingDoc]

This is a no-lose recipe with respect to taste. I miss foraging the Northeast and picking my own roots. The flavor is wonderful. Unfortunately, the major chemical constituent in sassafras root, safrole, is a clearly identified carcinogen and the consumption of fresh root teas is therefore not recommended except by those who are aware of and willing to take the longterm risk of consumption. Regretfully, commercially available safrole-free extracts such as Pappy's, which is available in some markets, while good, fail to have quite the same flavor as the genuine item.