“The Life, Death and Resurgence of Florida-Native Tea” With Mark Steele

Yaupon Holly is a caffeinated, Florida-native plant that was once the center of civilization for the Timucua.  Worshiped as a gift from the god Yahola, Yaupon faced a sordid history filled with mistakes, slander, and prejudice. Come learn about this local tea and the modern resurgence of America’s only natural caffeine source.

Mark Steele has been involved in Yaupon tea since 2015 and is responsible for developing the processing techniques used by many in the Yaupon space. He is a US Air Force veteran, retired airline captain, history buff, rockin’ drummer, master inventor and the tea patriarch of Rise Yaupon, a local Yaupon tea manufacturer.