Yaupon trees are native to Central Florida and the leaves of this tree have been used to make tea for many years. Fortunately for modern tea enthusiasts, yaupon tea is a commercially produced product making this historic beverage available to all.
Shelly Steele, president and co-founder of Rise Yaupon, will deliver the final Discovery Lecture Series spring presentation called, “History of Yaupon Tea and Rise Yaupon” on Thursday, May 7. The presentation will begin at 6 p.m. at Marine Discovery Center.
Steele’s entrepreneurship journey started in 2020, when she began leading yaupon tea production. Previously, she worked as a financial services consultant for Ernst & Young and as an executive at Charles Schwab. Steele grew up in New Smyrna Beach and is now back in her hometown leading Rise Yaupon, whose production facility is located in Edgewater.
Yaupon Holly is a caffeinated, Florida-native plant that was once the center of civilization for the Timucua and numerous other indigenous tribes. Worshiped as a gift from the god of purity (Yahola), Steele notes that “yaupon faced a sordid history filled with mistakes, slander and prejudice.” She will discuss that history in her presentation.
Guests attending the presentation will learn about this ancient tea and the modern resurgence of America’s only natural caffeine source with the leader of a local, women-owned company. Guests also will be able to taste yaupon tea at the presentation.
Our lectures are open to the public at no charge, but donations to the center are always appreciated. Pre-registration for this lecture is required and may be done online or by phone at 386.428.4828.
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