The Yaupon Tree. A massive evergreen shrub known for its plentiful red berries and invasive character, here in Texas, might actually become your best friend after you see the benefits of its delicious tea. This tree rightfully has its reasons to call out for attention on the side of many country roads, or even underneath one of your own trees in the backyard. Next time you see one, you might want to stop and harvest the leaves for tea making at home.

This plant was revered by the Native Americans who used this tea for healing and ceremonies. The Yaupon was nicknamed "Beloved Tree" by the Cherokees because of their knowledge and regular consumption of the drink. It is the only caffeinated plant native to North America. It also contains theobromine- the "pleasure molecule" which is also found in dark chocolate. Making it rewarding and energizing.

The best benefits of this tea have given it superfood quality. Yaupon tea has been studied to have anticancer properties along with lowering blood sugar, compounds that fight oral infections, and boost metabolism. There are definitely many reasons to give yaupon tea a try and even make the switch to a daily cup soon.

The taste of this tea has been stated to be earthy and mellow. Similar to that of yerba mate which is also in the holly tree plant family. Unlike other teas, yaupon does not contain tannins, the compound in tea that gives a bitter flavor, so you can steep your leaves multiple times with vigor. Have you stopped and harvested your yaupon leaves yet?

Tea Making and Preparation

Drying and Roasting Yaupon Leaves:

After you harvest your desired amount of leaves you might consider drying or roasting. This is a short process and actually pretty easy.

Simply spread leaves evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes.

Stirring the leaves occasionally helps balance the roasting and your duration of time depends on your preference of roast. The shorter amount of time the lighter the roast, the longer, makes a darker roast. Be cautious not to burn your leaves.

Let cool and then grind or crunch them into pieces. You can also opt out of roasting if you are curious in the raw, unroasted taste of yaupon. It can be drank green, unroasted, or as a black variety.

Serving Yaupon Tea:

When you steep your tea, you only need one teaspoon per 16 ounces of water. Boil your water but wait a moment to pour so you do not burn the leaves.

Steep for 2-3 minutes. This can be sweetened and creamed to taste as optional. Now the last thing to do is take a load off, kick up your feet, and rock on the front porch with your yaupon tea.