Are wintergreen plants in alaska edible? Wintergreen is a notable plant found in Alaska, playing an important role amongst the indigenous edible and medicinal plants that flourish throughout its vast and diverse ecosystem. Wintergreen, often admired for its gleaming leaves and shiny red berries are by no means a pretty plant just hanging out in the wilds; this plant has been used as both food and medicine for centuries.
So, is the wintergreen in Alaska edible and what do you use it for? In this article we will explore all you need to know about these plants being edible, their benefits and use in Alaska. Let’s start our today’s discussion!
What is Wintergreen?
Wintergreen is a creeping evergreen shrub of low growth found in the cool northern climates, such as the forests of Alaska. Also referred to as teaberry or checkerberry, its scientific name is Gaultheria procumbens.
Are wintergreen plants in alaska edible? It is also called mountain tea, the plant is characterized by aromatic, waxy dark-green leaves that emit an unmistakable scent of wintergreen when crushed and small berries bright red in color. Wintergreen is a member of the Ericaceae family, which includes plants like blueberries and cranberries.
Although wintergreen plant is edible, their leaves and berries contain methyl salicylate which is responsible for imparting that minty aroma and flavor. Although this compound is known for its medicinal effects it should still never be consumed in excess.
Can You Eat Wintergreen Plants In Alaska?
Simply yes! Normally, wintergreen plants in Alaska are edible. The wintergreen plant is fully edible to humans. These are both leaves and berries. This is how a closer look at the plant’s edible segments and safe consumption:
- Tea from wintergreen leaves
Wintergreen leaves are aromatic and have been used to make herbal teas. Drying the leaves first gives a milder flavor, since fresh leaves can be rather bitter and thus making steeping in hot water difficult. But since they have methyl salicylate, you should only drink wintergreen tea from time to time as opposed to every day.
- Wintergreen
The tiny red berries of wintergreen can be eaten and have a slightly sweet, minty taste. In moderation, they are considered safe to consume and can be eaten raw or used in recipes such as salads for an extra kick.
Health Benefits of Wintergreen
Native American medicine used wintergreen for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This is due to the active compound, methyl salicylate. Below is a brief cover of its nutritional and therapeutic value:
Wintergreen contains Methyl salicylate which is a natural pain reliever that can relieve all sorts of aches and pains. These infamous wintergreen leaves were traditionally used in poultices and teas to relieve muscle pain, headaches, and arthritis by Native Americans.
- Anti-Inflammatory
It is also appreciated for its anti-inflammatory effect. Decoction or external application of wintergreen tea contributes to lowering inflammation in the body, relieving joint pain or muscle strains.
- Digestive assist
In people, wintergreen tea has been traditionally used to treat digestive functionality and ease minor tummy complaints.
- Antioxidant properties
The antioxidants found in these berries and leaves provide protection from cellular damage and may benefit your overall health.
- Caution
Wintergreen can be toxic in large amounts because it contains methyl salicylate, so only use small doses.
How to identify and forage wintergreen in Alaska
Before foraging wintergreen in Alaska, be sure that what you are identifying is indeed true wintergreen: make sure you are not confusing with any toxic lookalikes. Follow this guide up until springtime, the time of year when wintergreen can be intensive to identify.
- Foliage: The leaves are oval in shape with a dark green and lacquer glossy finish. They are low-growing in pairs or clusters, and should release an intense wintergreen smell when crushed.
- Berries: The berries are small, round and red; They usually occur in the later summer to early autumn. They carry on perennially to winter, offering food for animals and a nice snack for foragers.
- Blooming: The plant will flower in the summer with small, white or pink bell-shaped flowers. The red berries are actually the mature form of these flowers.
Safety Tips for Foraging
For foraging process, some safety tips are most important to follow. You have to maintain these safety tips which I have described here-
# Moderation is Key
Wintergreen contains methyl salicylate, a natural version of the active ingredient in aspirin – Large quantities of wintergreen can cause poisoning. Always use it in moderation.
# Avoid Contaminated Places
Do not gather near highways or industrial sites, plants absorb all the contaminants from their environment.
Find Local Guides If you are a beginner at foraging, look into becoming part of an Alaskan forager group or reach out to someone who knows the plants well. Identifying what you’re going to forage safe is very important.
Wintergreen as Food for Alaskans
Wintergreen is not as widespread in use as other wild berries, but when added to various dishes it can provide great flavour. How to Use Wintergreen in Cooking? Here are a few ways you can enjoy wintergreen in your cooking:
- Wintergreen Tea
A delicious herbal tea can be made from dried wintergreen leaves. Let the leaves steep in hot water or 10-15 minutes. It has a light mint taste and can be sweetened with honey to enhance flavor.
Wintergreen berries are not sickly sweet, but are pleasant with desserts. Use them in pies, tarts, or jams for a special effective arm minty touch.
- Syrups
Make a syrup by simmering wintergreen berries with sugar and water. The syrup is ideal for cocktails, poured on pancakes or used as a dessert glaze.
While not as often used in the home, wintergreen oil can be distilled for topical use. Methyl salicylate, however, is toxic and must be handled with care.
Wintergreen Health Precautions
Despite the fact that wintergreen is safe to eat and has medical properties, there are several health guidelines you must observe:
- Restrict Internal Use: In high amounts, wintergreen can lead to nausea, headaches, or other serious reactions because of its methyl salicylate content. Consuming wintergreen tea on an occasional instead of daily basis is safe.
- Pregnancy or Lactation: Avoid using wintergreen if you are pregnant or nursing, due to the unknown effects of the pregnancy.
- Children: Wintergreen should not be used in children since they can be more sensitive to methyl salicylate.
People on blood thinners or aspirin should consult a healthcare provider before using wintergreen because of possible additive effects.
Wintergreen’s Role in Alaska Ecosystems
Wintergreen is an important part of Alaska’s ecosystem. The shrub serves as a food source for birds and mammals who love its berries, particularly in the winter. The plant provides evergreen leaves that protect the forest floor and can reduce soil erosion, which supports healthy forests of Alaska. Sustainable foraging practices will help ensure that wintergreen continues to grow in the wild.
The Bottom Line
Wintergreen is an interesting plant with safe-to-eat parts and medicinal properties but understanding how to harvest it safely is key. By foraging wintergreen spent you taste a piece of the wild and reconnect to traditional plant uses by Alaska natives.
However, the leaves and berries of wintergreen provide a minty-with-a-side-of-Aromatherapy flavor to teas, sweets, and other home remedies when applied sparingly.
