Guayusa is really quick and easy to prepare. The word "mistake" practically doesn't exist here. Anything goes. Since guayusa contains no bitter compounds, you don't have to worry about extracting too many bitter compounds from the leaf (as happens when preparing matcha or green tea, for example). This allows for much more flexibility in water temperature and brewing time. However, you should still observe certain basic conditions to ensure you get enough flavor, caffeine, and antioxidants in your cup.
Guayusa + Water = Energy
Here you will find an overview of the most common preparation methods.
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Preparation in the bag
For the classic preparation of one cup (approximately 240 ml of water), we use one to two teaspoons of guayusa. If you drink guayusa primarily for the caffeine, we definitely recommend two teaspoons of leaves.
The caffeine content is then 50-80 mg per cup. This is roughly equivalent to a can of Red Bull.
The tea is then brewed with hot water at 100°C. Since caffeine dissolves faster the higher the water temperature, you shouldn't brew your Guayusa with water below 80°C. Therefore, Cold Brew Guayusa (link here) needs to steep for at least 4 hours, ideally 8-12 hours.
After 5-7 minutes, you can remove the Guayusa leaves; your natural energy drink is ready. We've developed our own "special cut" for our leaves. This involves mixing large pieces of leaves with slightly smaller pieces. Smaller pieces of leaves have more surface area and thus release more caffeine into the water more quickly. Larger pieces of leaves ensure that the tea sits loosely in the tea bag, preventing excess powder from forming, which could seep through the paper or sieve into the cup.
Brew twice for double the enjoyment
You can easily brew Guayusa a second time. The flavor will be slightly milder and the caffeine content will be significantly lower. This way, you'll definitely get the most out of this powerful leaf.
Fancy a change?
With its subtle, herbal flavor, Guayusa is a perfect base for your own tea creations. The sky's the limit.
For a simple and healthy (high in vitamin C!) change, add fresh lemon juice. Lemon with power!
We highly recommend adding mint and/or peppermint. The peppermint and its menthol, combined with the caffeine from the Guayusa, will help you breathe deeply every morning and start the day feeling refreshed.
