How should I prepare the tea and the decoction from these berries? — Barberry 50 g Horst ( plody kaliny ) ( Плоды Калины )

The simplest method is the tea. Use one tablespoon of dried berries per 250 ml of water. Slightly crush the berries first so the hot water reaches the inside of the fruit. Pour boiling water over them, put a lid on the cup or teapot, and leave it for 15–20 minutes. After steeping you can strain the liquid or leave the berries at the bottom of the cup — that is a matter of preference.

If you want a more extracted preparation, make a decoction instead. Put one tablespoon of berries in a small saucepan, add 250 ml of cold or warm water, bring it to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes over low heat. Then strain the liquid. The berries themselves will have softened and are no longer needed for the drink.

Both variants can be sweetened with honey. Honey noticeably reduces the natural bitterness of the berries. You can also add a slice of lemon or a little rosehip powder, but honey is the classic choice. Drink the tea or decoction warm, as you would any herbal tea. Because the berries are dried, they are quite concentrated — tasting the first cup and adjusting the amount next time is a practical approach.