Hot Off the Press: Homegrown Tea

Homegrown Tea: An Illustrated Guide to Planting, Harvesting, and Blending Teas and Tisanes by Cassie Liversidge

Author Cassie Liversidge grew up around her parents’ plant nursery, and that history and love of plants seamlessly blends with her knowledge of teas and tisanes in Homegrown Tea. This is a gardening book for tea lovers. It describes plants’ preferred growing conditions and how to harvest them, as well as giving detailed information on preparing the plant for tea and how to brew the best cup of tea.

While the tea plant—all white, green, oolong and black teas are made from Camellia sinensis—is not hardy in the North, it could be grown in a container and overwintered indoors. However, Liversidge focuses on a wide range of plants that can be used to brew tisanes, infusions of plants other than the tea plant. The book is divided into sections based on what part of the plant is used: leaves, seeds, fruits, flowers or roots.

Liversidge has a clear admiration for teas and plants. She relishes all of their elements from taste to potential medicinal properties and the beauty of the plants—the book features lovely botanical art by the author and plenty of photographs. The brief history of tea and how it has been used in various cultures is fascinating. Also helpful are the tips for particular plants and flavorful or beneficial companions in your teacup.

Published by St. Martin’s Griffen, Homegrown Tea retails fo $23.99.

—Brenda Harvieux