Dark Yaupon

When we told you Yaupon is both delicious and versatile, we weren’t exaggerating. To prove it to you, we’re bringing you six recipes that are sure to excite your senses and inspire you to incorporate more wildcrafted ingredients into your caffeinated daily rituals. Our loose-leaf tea is compatible with french presses, tea strainers, coffee makers, and even your reusable Keurig cup (about 1.5tsp per serving). While it’s delicious on its own, it combines nicely with your wild foraged or cultivated plants, as well as with other Surthrival products!

The dark roast has the richest flavor of the three, and is the most comparable to coffee, flavor-wise. You can brew it in whatever you use to brew your coffee--including your electronic coffee makers and Keurigs--for a fast and simple brew, or explore and experiment with these amped-up recipes!

“Cacao-ffee”

Skip the line (and everything else) at the green-strawed siren-signed mega-ccino shop on the corner and try this delicious dark roast, dark chocolate brew at home. Who needs whipped cream and sprinkles when you’ve got buttery froth and bee pollen?

1. Brew 1.5tsp dark roast Yaupon in hot water, steep for 4-7 minutes
2. Add 2 tsp organic cacao powder, 2 tsp Surthrival ghee or pastured butter, 1 tsp sweetener,  and 1 dropper of Surthrival chaga elixir (which also contains organic maple syrup and vanilla bean extract!).
3. Blend until frothy. Top with a dusting of cacao and a  sprinkle of local bee pollen.

“Coconut Cold Brew”

If you like cold-brew coffee, this is your jam. You can cold-brew Yaupon the same way you cold-brew your coffee, and you can experiment with brew times ranging from 15 minutes to overnight.

1. Add 1.5 tsp - 2 tsp Yaupon (per serving) to a jar or cold-brew-contraption with fresh or filtered water.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or overnight for several hours. Strain.
3. Add 2 Tbs full fat coconut milk and natural sweetener to taste. Shake vigorously or blend
4. Pour over ice and sip blissfully. Best served with a side of summer.

Other ways you can use your Yaupon:

• Freeze ANY of these recipes to make popsicles.
• Infuse into bone broth (this is a great way to use your leaves after you’ve steeped them once).
• Finely grind green Yaupon and use just like matcha!
• Infuse honey or oils.

Show us what you’re making with your Yaupon by posting to Facebook or Instagram, tagging @Surthrival and using the hashtag: #YauponBuzz. Bottoms up!