Birch buds

Small sticky resinous birch buds gathered in early spring, with a strong resinous-balsamic aroma, for herbal tea, infusions, tinctures and flavouring kvass.

Birch buds are small sticky resinous birch buds gathered in early spring, dark brown, with a strong fresh resinous-balsamic aroma and a slightly astringent bitterish taste. They are brewed as an aromatic herbal tea and infusion, added by the pinch to herbal blends, infused in spirit for tinctures and balms and used to flavour kvass and drinks; they should be used in small doses.

Recipes with this ingredient

Buddha Bowl Russian SuperfoodAuthor's cuisine | Main courses

The recipe was shared with us by the chef of Touch of Matcha Yegor Rudolsky. Buckwheat is our everything after Pushkin. Birch trees are also strongly associated with Russia. We collect young birch buds, then add them to our bowl. When they are young, they are soft and pleasant. At first, we prepare them for future use, and when they run out, we simply remove this bowl from the menu and move on to others. We do not overcook buckwheat, we preserve the grain. Fermented tomatoes and cauliflower add acidity and spice.