I told you last week that some crazy foods are going to trend this year and it is time to dive into another one. We are all familiar with dates, whether we actually eat them or not, but this is one that is probably new to most people. Yaupon in a holly native to southeastern North America and it is common to use it's leaves to create an herbal tea called yaupon tea. It is a Native American tradition to brew it into a medicinal tea which was consumed during purification rituals.
- Yaupon tea is rich in antioxidants and is one of the few plants native to the United States that contains caffeine, boosting your energy levels, enhancing your mood, and increasing your alertness.
- Yaupon tea contains theobromine, which is primarily found in cocoa, that helps support brain function
- Added Bonus: Yaupon has become a common ingredient in skin care products like moisturizers, cleansers, and serums.
Recipes:
Yaupon Tea (Thespruceeats.com)
To make yaupon tea the leaves need to be dried, and often roasted beforehand. This can be done in the oven at 350 degrees until the leaves turn the desired shade of brown. The more cooked the darker the tea will be and the deeper the flavor. The tea can also be made from fresh leaves, though the flavor of the drink will not be as strong.
Brew yaupon tea like any other herbal blend. Boil water and then pour over leaves or a tea bag, and let steep for five minutes. Unlike black, green and white teas, yaupon won't get tannic from brewing too long. It can even be re-steeped, though with each soaking the tea will get weaker. Yaupon is mainly drunk hot, but can also be served cold and over ice.
Yaupon Pear Cider (sipsby.com)
- 2 cups filtered Water
- 2 round teaspoons Loose Leaf/bags green Yaupon or medium roast Yaupon
- 2 cups Sparling Pear Cider
- 3 cups Pear Juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 5 whole Cloves
- 1/2 cup Brandy (optional)
- 3 tablespoons Orange Liqueur, like Triple Sec or Cointreau (also optional)
- Pear slices/ rounds and cinnamon sticks for garnish
- Heat water to 212°F and steep tea for 3-5 minutes then remove (strain) tea.
- In a large saucepan bring the pear cider and juice, vanilla extract, and cloves to a boil over medium-high heat. When it starts to boil, reduce heat to low and let simmer (uncovered) for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat, and stir in brandy, orange liqueur, and yaupon tea.
- Strain into a large pitcher and serve in individual mugs. Top with an extra splash of pear cider, garnish with a pear round and cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Yaupon Tea Old Fashioned (grilledcheesesocial.com)
For the Fire Roasted Yaupon Tea Simple Syrup
- 1 cup Water
- 1/2 cup Raw Sugar
- 1 Fire Roasted Yaupon Tea Bag
For the Cocktail
- 2 ounces CampFire High West Whiskey
- 1/2 ounce Fire Roasted Yapoun Simple Syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 Orange Peel
For the Simple Syrup:
Add 1 cup water in a small pot, turn the heat to med-high, and wait for the water to simmer. Add ½ cup raw sugar and 1 Fire Roasted Yaupon tea bag. Turn the heat to low, and stir, until the sugar has dissolved and water looks light brown. Let cool and refrigerate until ready to use.
For the Cocktail:
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, stir a few times. Then strain into a cocktail glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with orange peel and enjoy.
