Raspberries are a summertime favourite of many, and are easily recognized throughout the northern hemisphere by their flexible stalks, tough thorns, lovely flowers, and delicious fruit.

Tasting pleasant, but nothing like the fruit, Raspberry leaves have been used since ancient times in the folk remedies of many cultures. Today, the tradition continues with Raspberry leaf as one of the most important herbs in North American and European folk medicine.

Popular in teas, herb butters, chicken soup, creamy soups, eggs, peas, snap beans, liver, fish, and quince chutney.

Hawthorn is found mainly in Europe, eastern Asia, and eastern North America. Its use has been growing since the 1800's. In Britain, Hawthorn was an important part of many May festivals and was known as 'May flower'. In France, Hawthorn goes by the name "l'epine noble" (a noble thorn) from the belief that the crown of thorns worn by Christ was made of its branches.

Hawthorn boasts dark-green lobed, toothed leaves and in late spring it yields clusters of lovely, sweet scented white flowers. The interaction of leaf and flower make for a taste that is sweet, yet slightly bitter.