Native American Tea Rediscovered

Native American Tea Rediscovered CROPS New Crops A tea made from yaupon leaves that was once favored by indigenous people is gaining new popularity A scrubby evergreen tree with waxy leaves like holly yaupon is also the only native North American plant that produces caffeine It grows naturally from Texas to Fla and up the East Coast to the Outer Banks of N C “We always knew yaupon because of how well it grew in our area around Cat Spring Texas but we viewed it as others did having to keep it in check in fence lines and trails ” says Abianne Falla CatSpring Yaupon “We were unaware of its caffeine properties or its legacy ” Falla and her sister JennaDee Detro became intrigued with yaupon when it thrived in the drought of 2011 when even 100-year-old oaks were dying The sisters soon discovered the weedy tree on their family ranch had plenty of history and potential “It has this incredible legacy tradition and taste ” says Falla “Once people have a chance to try it the reception is overwhelmingly positive Without the tannins it is less astringent than conventional tea ” Falla reports that researchers are identifying health benefits as well It contains theobromine credited with making the consumer feel happy and having a positive impact on oral health and preventing oral infections “It has more antioxidants than blueberries is anti-inflammatory and provides a mental boost ” says Falla “It also contains saponins which boost the immune system lower cholesterol lower cancer risk and lower blood glucose response ” Like many natural remedies yaupon was a common drink of Native Americans In the case of the Chickasaw who lived in the Cat Springs area they were forced to relocate to Oklahoma “One side of our family is Chickasaw and we had never known of its use ” says Falla “Yaupon doesn’t grow in Oklahoma and the tradition was lost over the generations ” Seeing an opportunity to reclaim their heritage and share it with others the sisters founded CatSpring Yaupon in 2013 Luckily the sisters are not alone in their efforts The Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co in Florida and others are also spreading the word Falla understands there is strength in numbers CatSpring Yaupon has gone from harvesting leaves from a few trees on the family ranch to more than 500 acres of certified organic native growth The sisters sell their tea from their website at 16 tea bags or 2 ounces loose leaf for $7 95 Buy it by the pound and it is priced at $35 They also sell yaupon holly wreaths for $35 and are looking for wholesale markets Contact: FARM SHOW Followup CatSpring Yaupon P O Box 43 Cat Spring Texas 78933 ph 979-476-9876; hello@catspringyaupon com; www catspringtea com

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