What Is Yaupon?
Yaupon (pronounced like yo-pon) comes from the plant known as Ilex vomitoria, a relative to the holly family. It grows (abundantly like an annoying weed, for some) in warm Southern states and is the only caffeinated native plant grown in America that is turned into a drinkable tea. (Though there is another relative of the plant called Ilex cassine that may be caffeinated, yaupon is the only known native caffeinated plant consumed in North America.) The tree’s leaves are harvested and can be brewed like you would traditional green or black teas (usually made from the plant family Camellia sinensis).
What Does Yaupon Tea Taste Like?
Yaupon Tea Benefits
According to Abianne Falla, co-founder of CatSpring Yaupon, the tea has a unique combination of caffeine and theobromine (linked to having antioxidant properties). Combined with some bonus anti-inflammatory properties, she says “it really makes you feel good.” Another reason to love yaupon tea is that it doesn’t contain tannins (a chemical compound that gives off a bitter taste in some teas), so you can re-steep the tea multiple times without worrying the flavor will change. And if you’re trying to be more sustainable with your consumption, Falla points out choosing yaupon leaves a smaller carbon footprint since it’s sourced right here in America rather than imported.
