Yaupon Tea
The only known plant native to the United States which produces caffeine, yaupon was revered by the indigenous people of the Southeast. This resilient holly contains similar caffeine and antioxidant levels to Yerba Mate and Guayusa, as well as theobromine and vitamins A and C. Today, it’s gaining popularity as a sustainable, local alternative to coffee or imported teas, with a smooth, slightly earthy flavor.
While yaupon was primarily known for its energizing effects and ceremonial use, some Native American tribes also used it in a broader medicinal context, including for respiratory issues. Although specific details on its direct use for conditions like asthma are limited, traditional knowledge suggests that yaupon’s properties could have been utilized to address respiratory discomfort.
Preparation: Steep one tablespoon roasted loose leaf yaupon in 8oz of nearly boiling water. Steep 7 minutes for first extraction. Steep 5 minutes for subsequent extractions. We recommend 3 extractions per tablespoon. Sweeten with honey.
Tasting Notes: Delicate and earthy with hints of apple, citrus and freshly cut grass.
Our loose leaf yaupon tea is harvested and roasted to order, then packed into 3.5 x 5.5 inch heat sealed pouches.
If you’d like to learn more about our process, please check out THIS blog post.
To order some of our wild-harvested, roasted tea leaves, please click below and send us a message.