Yaupon Dark Vitality (Loose Leaf), 1 oz

Yaupon is the only caffeinated plant native to North America, and it's been hiding in plain sight along the southeastern coast for centuries. Indigenous peoples brewed it ceremonially - the name "yaupon" comes from the Catawba word meaning "small tree" - and early colonists adopted it as a coffee substitute before tea imports became reliable.

This isn't green tea, though it's a cousin. Yaupon's caffeine content sits somewhere between green tea and coffee, but it also contains theobromine (the same compound in chocolate) which creates smooth, sustained energy without jitters. The "Dark Vitality" roast brings out deeper, slightly smoky notes compared to the grassy brightness of unroasted yaupon. Think closer to a roasted oolong or houjicha than to the vegetal punch of green tea.

The flavor is earthy and clean with a subtle natural sweetness - no bitterness even if you oversteep it. Brew it hot for 3-5 minutes. It re-steeps beautifully; the second cup is often even better than the first.