What is Strawberry Top Tea Good For? The Surprising Health Benefits of a Zero-Waste Brew

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that the leafy green tops of strawberries can contain up to six times more antioxidants than the fruit itself? Brewing a nourishing strawberry top tea is an easy, zero-waste way to unlock these potential health benefits, which range from aiding digestion to reducing inflammation.

Quick Summary

Strawberry top tea is a mineral and antioxidant-rich herbal infusion that offers benefits for digestion, immune function, and reducing inflammation. It's an easy, sustainable way to use food scraps and support overall health.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Strawberry tops are rich in antioxidants, potentially more so than the fruit, which helps combat oxidative stress.
Digestive Aid: The tannins in strawberry leaves can soothe digestive issues like indigestion, cramps, and nausea.
Natural Anti-inflammatory: Caffeic acid in the leaves helps reduce inflammation, offering relief for conditions like arthritis.
Immunity Boost: A good source of Vitamin C, the tea helps strengthen the immune system and protect against illness.
Zero-Waste Solution: Brewing tea from strawberry tops is a sustainable way to use food scraps and minimize waste.
Skin Soother: Cooled strawberry top tea can be used topically to help calm inflamed skin, rashes, and sunburn.
Mineral-Rich: The leaves provide essential minerals, including calcium and iron, contributing to overall health.

Introduction to Strawberry Top Tea

For many, the green leafy crown of a strawberry is simply a piece of food waste to be discarded. However, this often-overlooked part of the berry is completely edible and packed with nutritional value. Brewing these tops into a tea is a traditional practice that offers a host of potential health benefits, proving that sustainability can also be beneficial for your well-being. By turning your scraps into a soothing and healthy beverage, you can enjoy a mild, earthy, and slightly fruity flavor while making the most of your food.

Rich in Antioxidants

Similar to the fruit, strawberry leaves and stems are brimming with antioxidants, like polyphenols and Vitamin C. These powerful compounds help protect the body from oxidative stress, a process linked to cellular damage and chronic diseases. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and beverages is a cornerstone of a healthy diet, and this simple tea provides a potent dose. In fact, research suggests the antioxidant capacity of the leaves might be significantly higher than the fruit, making them a true hidden treasure.

Supports Digestive Health

Strawberry tops have long been used in herbal medicine to aid digestion. They contain tannins, which can help calm the digestive system and alleviate a variety of symptoms. A cup of strawberry top tea can be particularly soothing for:

Indigestion
Nausea
Stomach cramps
Mild diarrhea

The tannins in the leaves act as an astringent, helping to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote regularity.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to several health problems. Strawberry leaves contain caffeic acid, a compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate inflammation throughout the body. For this reason, historically, strawberry leaf tea has been used to help with conditions like arthritis. Beyond internal consumption, the cooled tea can also be applied topically to soothe inflamed or sunburned skin.

Boosts the Immune System

While the fruit is famous for its Vitamin C content, the leaves also contribute to your immune health. Vitamin C is a critical antioxidant that helps bolster the immune system, protecting the body against illnesses and infections. Including strawberry top tea in your diet can add to your overall vitamin intake and strengthen your body's defenses.

How to Make Strawberry Top Tea

Making your own strawberry top tea is incredibly simple and requires only a few ingredients. You can use fresh tops or dry them for later use.

Ingredients:

1 handful of fresh, washed strawberry tops (about 8-10)
3 cups of hot water (not quite boiling)
Optional additions: honey, a squeeze of lemon, or fresh mint

Instructions:

Wash thoroughly: Before use, wash the strawberry tops well to remove any dirt or pesticide residue. If using dried tops, ensure they are clean.
Steep: Place the fresh or dried tops into a teapot or a heatproof cup. Pour the hot water over them.
Infuse: Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors and nutrients to infuse. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.
Strain and serve: Strain the mixture into your teacup. Add any optional sweeteners or flavorings to taste.

A Comparison of Tea Methods


Feature	Fresh Strawberry Top Tea	Dried Strawberry Top Tea
Flavor Profile	Milder, more earthy and delicate.	More concentrated, robust flavor.
Preparation	Easiest for immediate use after preparing fresh strawberries.	Requires prep work (drying) but offers longer-term storage.
Nutrient Potency	High in Vitamin C and polyphenols.	Polyphenol concentration remains high, but some Vitamin C is lost during drying.
Storage	Must be used immediately or frozen.	Can be stored in an airtight container for future use.
Texture	Fresh, vibrant taste.	Slightly more earthy, deeper flavor notes.

Other Benefits and Uses

Beyond drinking the tea, the anti-inflammatory properties of strawberry tops have other applications. A cooled infusion can be used topically to help with skin inflammation, such as rashes or eczema. Some traditional uses have also included using the tea as a diuretic to reduce swelling. Furthermore, the practice of making this tea perfectly aligns with a zero-waste lifestyle, reducing food waste and embracing sustainability in the kitchen. For more ideas on how to use strawberry tops, explore this guide from Farmer's Almanac.

Conclusion

Next time you're hulling strawberries for a recipe, don't throw away those nutrient-packed green tops. Instead, transform them into a delicious and beneficial herbal tea. From boosting your immune system and fighting inflammation to aiding digestion, strawberry top tea offers a multitude of potential health advantages. It's a simple, sustainable, and satisfying way to incorporate a little more natural wellness into your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, strawberry top tea is generally considered safe to drink. The leaves are edible, but it is important to wash them thoroughly first, especially if not organic, to remove any dirt or pesticide residue.

The tea has a mild, earthy, and slightly fruity flavor profile. The taste is not as sweet as the berry itself but offers a pleasant, subtle complexity that can be enhanced with honey, lemon, or mint.

Yes, you can use store-bought strawberry tops, but it is crucial to wash them very well, as non-organic strawberries may have more pesticide residue. Opting for organic is safer if possible.

To make a larger batch, simply scale the recipe. For a quart of tea, use 3-4 handfuls of tops and 4 cups of hot water, then steep for 10-15 minutes. It can be served hot or chilled over ice.

Side effects are rare, but as with any food, an allergic reaction is possible if you are sensitive to strawberries. Excessive consumption might cause gastric discomfort in some individuals.

Some traditional uses suggest strawberry leaf tea is beneficial for pregnancy, but it's always best for pregnant or nursing mothers to consult a healthcare professional before introducing new herbal remedies.

You can either freeze fresh strawberry tops or dry them. To dry, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet at a low temperature or use a dehydrator until brittle. Store dried tops in an airtight container.

Yes, you can experiment with adding other herbs to enhance the flavor and benefits. Common additions include fresh mint, lemon verbena, or basil.