There’s something magical about taking a native plant and turning it into something nourishing. Yaupon holly, North America’s only naturally caffeinated plant, has been enjoyed for centuries, and recently, we decided to try our hand at making tea with it. The process was simple, but it became so much more than just tea. It turned into a family project, with the kids involved every step of the way ~ from adventuring to harvest, to the drying, roasting and grinding.

It all started with one small goal: to dry yaupon leaves in the greenhouse. Well, our greenhouse had been a bit of a forgotten space. We’ve been pouring most of our energy into cabin renovations, and it had become a catch all for random items and tools, but stepping inside that day sparked something. What began as a simple task of laying leaves out to dry turned into a full blown organization project. The kids helped sort and declutter as we got the space back to its purpose. It felt good to clear it out and dream about its future.

Making Yaupon Holly Tea:

Making yaupon tea is simple and satisfying, but having the kids involved made it even more meaningful. Here’s what we did:

Harvest the Leaves ~

We carefully picked young leaves, choosing the tender green ones and avoided the berries, as yaupon berries are toxic to humans!

Dry and Roast the Leaves ~

We spread the leaves to dry in the greenhouse. After more research we discovered that leaving them to dry completely creates a light green tea, but roasting them gives a bold flavor. After the leaves dried for a few days, we roasted them together, and the toasty aroma filled the air.

Grind and Bag the Leaves ~

Once roasted, we ground the leaves into small pieces and added them to tea bags.

Brew the Tea ~

We steeped the tea bags in hot water for about five minutes / then sipped on our homemade brew. The result was lovely! A bold, earthy tea.

Sipping the first cup of tea felt like more than a little treat, It was the reward of a shared experience. It wasn’t just about the tea, it was about reconnecting with the land, reviving the greenhouse, and having the kids join in on the process. We can’t wait to fill the greenhouse with more medicinal plants and herbs, learning how to use them for food, tea, and healing remedies. If you’re lucky enough to have yaupon growing nearby, I hope you give it a try. It’s a beautiful way to connect with nature, your family, and yourself.

Benefits of Yaupon Tea:

• Rich in Antioxidants: • Mood Boosting Theobromine • Low in Tannins • Anti-Inflammatory Properties • Supports immune health • Aids in digestion and gut health •

Foraging is a beautiful way to connect with children and nature. If you’re looking for tools, I’ve created some learning resources to share. From wild edible printable flashcards to other nature inspired activities, these resources are designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration & make learning fun!