Raspberry
Overview
The raspberry plant offers two distinct gifts to the herbal tea world — its vibrant, jewel-toned fruit and its remarkably beneficial leaves. Native to Europe and northern Asia and now cultivated worldwide, Rubus idaeus has been valued in both culinary and medicinal traditions for centuries. While raspberry fruit is celebrated for its bright, sweet-tart flavor and impressive antioxidant content, raspberry leaf carries a rich herbal tradition all its own — particularly as one of the most trusted herbs in women's wellness, with a long history of use during pregnancy and to support the female reproductive system. Together, the fruit and leaf of the raspberry plant make it one of the most versatile botanicals in the tea pantry.
Raspberry Leaf
About
Raspberry leaf has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, particularly in European and Native American traditions. Despite its name, it does not taste strongly of raspberry fruit — instead it brews a mild, pleasantly earthy cup with a light astringency similar to a gentle black tea. It is best known as a tonic herb for the female reproductive system, especially valued during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Flavor Profile
- Mild, earthy, and gently astringent — similar to a light black tea
- Subtle leafy green notes with a clean, smooth finish
- Does not taste like raspberry fruit — flavor is herbal and understated
- Pairs beautifully with peppermint, hibiscus, rose hips, and lemon
Traditionally Used For
- Toning and strengthening the uterine muscles — a trusted pregnancy tonic herb
- Traditionally used in the third trimester to prepare the body for labor
- Easing menstrual cramps and regulating the menstrual cycle
- Supporting postpartum recovery and milk production
- Rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and B vitamins
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Supports healthy digestion and eases nausea
A Note on Pregnancy
Raspberry leaf is widely used during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, but it is considered stimulating to the uterus and is generally not recommended during the first trimester. Always consult your midwife or healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Raspberry Fruit
About
Dried raspberry fruit and raspberry pieces bring vivid berry sweetness, a jewel-bright color, and a cheerful tartness to tea blends. Rich in anthocyanins — the same antioxidant pigments responsible for their deep red-pink hue — raspberries are one of the most antioxidant-dense fruits available. In tea blends they contribute both flavor and a beautiful rosy color to the cup.
Flavor Profile
- Bright, sweet-tart, and vividly fruity
- Juicy berry sweetness with a refreshing, slightly tangy finish
- Adds a beautiful pink-red hue to the brew
- Wonderful both hot and iced — especially lovely as a cold brew
- Pairs beautifully with hibiscus, rose hips, lemon peel, and mint
Traditionally Used For
- Exceptionally rich in anthocyanin antioxidants — powerful free radical protection
- High in Vitamin C — supports immune function and skin health
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Supports cardiovascular and eye health
- Rich in dietary fiber — supports healthy digestion
- May support blood sugar regulation
- Natural mood-lifting qualities from ellagic acid and flavonoids
Brewing Notes
- Raspberry Leaf: 200–212°F / 93–100°C — steep 5–10 minutes; use 1–2 teaspoons per 8 oz
- Raspberry Fruit: 200–212°F / 93–100°C — steep 5–7 minutes; also excellent cold brewed overnight
- Combining leaf and fruit in one blend gives you both the wellness benefits of the leaf and the bright fruit flavor — a beautiful pairing
- Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten the fruit flavor and deepen the color
- A touch of honey rounds out the tartness beautifully
Teas Containing Raspberry
Coming soon — we will list blends that feature raspberry leaf and raspberry fruit here. In the meantime, you can browse our Herbal Teas and Black Teas.