Cat Spring, Texas

It’s hot in Texas and many of us are cooling down with a big glass of iced tea. I grew up making pitchers of Lipton tea, then as an adult I discovered Luzianne. Both of them are good and I find Great Value tea acceptable, as well. Of course I stirred in a cup of sugar in every hot pitcher of tea before adding ice and cold water. Black tea is fine, but did you know you can make your own Yaupon tea? Yaupon? Isn’t that the horrible bush that is taking over your property? Yes, but keep reading.

If you live in the Cat Spring area there is a very good chance that you have some Yaupon bushes growing on your property. While often considered a nuisance, and we have cut down and burned plenty of it, Yaupon actually has a little-known redeeming quality. It’s leaves can be roasted and brewed into a caffeinated tea that tastes very similar to the black tea we are all used to drinking. You can learn more about Yaupon in this detailed article. Or watch the video below.

The process for making your own yaupon tea is quite simple. First head out to your property and cut off a Yaupon branch. Be sure that you are picking the correct plant. Then remove the desired amount of leaves, wash them, roast them in the oven, and crush them. Then brew in a tea ball or tea bag or your preferred method of brewing loose tea and and enjoy! For detailed instructions, click here.

No Yaupon on your property, or too hot outside and don’t feel like harvesting your own? Don’t worry! You can also buy Yaupon tea from the Cat Spring Tea Company‘s website. Check them out!