On the Trail of Tilleul

““On the Trail of Tilleul”” is my personal story of a trip I made to France's Drôôme region to research the history and culture of one of its most renowned agricultural products, lindenflower tisane (herbal tea or infusion). A familiar element of the French landscape, linden trees produce fragrant blossoms which are hand-harvested, dried and consumed as a tea, both for its pleasing, delicate bouquet and for the mild digestive and sleep benefits it offers. Recently, both the production and consumption of lindenflower tisane in the Drôôme region have declined, threatened by cheap, poor quality imports from China and Eastern Europe, as well as changing tastes and dining habits. Interviews with lindenflower producers in the Drôôme region provide background on its cultivation, harvest and post-harvest handling.