Guayusa

Tea type
Guayusa Tea
Ingredients
Not available
Flavors
Sweet, Vegetal
Sold in
Not available
Caffeine
Not available
Certification
Not available
Edit tea info Last updated by Jason
Average preparation
Boiling 4 min, 45 sec 12 oz / 355 ml

Currently unavailable

We don't know when or if this item will be available.

From Our Community

1 Image

17 Want it Want it

  • +2

20 Own it Own it

  • +5

25 Tasting Notes View all

  • “Another less than exciting selection from this month’s Steepster Select box. I like guayusa just fine, and I have been very impressed with everything I’ve tried from Runa, but, really? ...” Read full tasting note
    84
  • “Thought I would try this since I slept really well last night. I’m not really feeling groggy. I think Guayusa is supposed to be a bit more stimulating than my typical black breakfast blend. I’ve...” Read full tasting note
    77
  • “Backlogging; This is another tea that I received in the Steepster Select (http://member.ly/steepster-select) box that I won. Thank you Steepster Select, again providing me with a totally new...” Read full tasting note
    91
  • “I had this tea this morning, so I guess it’s a backlog? Maybe? I got this one in the Steepster Select package that I won (the April box) and I’ve had it once before this but for some reason I...” Read full tasting note
    81

From Runa

Guayusa (botanical name Ilex guayusa) is a caffeinated rainforest holly tree that grows almost exclusively in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Revered as a balanced stimulant and focal point of indigenous cultural traditions, guayusa has been consumed for thousands of years by the indigenous Kichwa, Shuar, and Achuar nationalities that inhabit the Ecuadorian Amazon.

A truly balanced stimulant with a naturally sweet taste, guayusa not only contains caffeine to awaken the mind, but also is rich in vitamins and amino acids to fortify the body. Its combined effect is one of sustained energy, mental clarity, and what the indigenous Kichwa people call “mental strength and courage.” Indigenous hunters drink guayusa to sharpen their instincts and call it the “Night Watchman” because it helps them stay alert and awake all night. With these unique properties, our Runa beverages offer the energy of coffee without the jitters or crash, and the clarity and simplicity of tea without the bitterness.

About Runa View company

Company description not available.

25 Tasting Notes

90
45 tasting notes

Very drinkable as Morning Bus said, reminds me of an earthy Peony. Could be an “acquired taste” to some. I like how Runa connects the tea to the people where it grows, providing cultural stimulus to consider while you sip the tea. I liked seeing the videos of them drinking it early in the am around the campfire…(runa.org)

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

100
1 tasting notes

Aroma: earthy, green
Flavor: mollasses, autumnal,
Texture: silky, clean
Finish: slightly sweet

Preparation
Boiling 6 min, 0 sec

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

65
119 tasting notes

I think I like it. Let’s say I don’t hate it but I generally like most teas and herbs. There was a touch of bitterness so I added half a tsp agave syrup but I would prefer to enjoy guayusa unsweetened. I used three “real” (equivalent of 1.5 tsp) scoops for 500ml water in my Breville. I have read it can be flavorful for up to six steepings so that is what I am aiming to do. Steeped twice at 3 min each but my bladder is already full. Think this will take me all day. Anyone know if this cold steeps well? I have never directly cold steeped anything. The brew has always had at least one hot steep before I add tap water and leave in the fridge.

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

85
61 tasting notes

I am going to be honest I didn’t know what think when I first smelled the steeped tea. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it I couldn’t quite place it. However, the teas is quite tasty. There is a light grassy flavor that pairs well with the natural sweetness in the tea. I am not sure if it is placebo, but as I sit here I can feel a usual caffeine related feeling.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

95
22 tasting notes

I bought a pound of this from Amazon since it was so cheap, but when I opened the bag I was worried – it just smelled like grass. And when I had steeped it it still smelled only of grass. Still, it ended up being a very tasty tea. I find it’s best if I throw a few pods of star anise in there, but that’s just personal preference.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

90
25 tasting notes

This tea has grown on me considerably since my first tasting.

Preparation
Boiling 4 min, 0 sec

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

1113 tasting notes

My mind doesn’t comprehend how others found a sweetness to this tea. When I drank this, which I finished all 2.5oz in the can I bought, I found myself drinking a strong and bitter cup of tea that reminded me of why I really like oolong and green teas. This just lacks flavor overall, but it does provide a nice feeling as far as drinking as a morning tea. I understand its unflavored and that’s what I wanted but now I know that guayusa should be masked with some sort of undertone just like mediocre mate should.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

95
117 tasting notes

This is my first cup of “tea” every single morning. I adore it. It is usually followed with a black tea of some sort, but this is always first. It is a slightly sweet and natural green/herbal flavor. I wish I could explain more efficiently how calming and delicious it is. It has a good deal of caffeine to extract me from my sleep-like morning fugue, all the while being quite tasty with a spot of honey.
The Runa company seems to be very commendable too in the growing and commerical practices of their guayusa in that it is organically grown, fair-trade, and non-gmo.

Flavors: Sweet, Vegetal

Preparation
200 °F / 93 °C 6 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 16 OZ / 473 ML

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

97
48 tasting notes

I was very impressed with this tea. This is a cousin of Yerba mate which I thought would taste bad also. This tea has a barky sweetness to it like saspirilla. Its my favorite herbal tea for taste. I find this tea has no crash, it has L-theanine unlike yerba and coffee. This is what helps prevent the crash and anxiety symptoms (also found in tea). This tea is defiantly a nootropic, it does boost my brain performance. For example I will remember a name much more quickly. The other thing it does, I won’t say it works every time, this tea really helps you see your dreams more clearly. I feel the only downside to this tea is that there really have been no studies done on the health benefits of this tea. I think the real reason it boosts brain performance greatly is that the problem with coffee is the lack of l-theanine, so when you drink too much you will get the jitters and anxiety, with this tea you can get away with drinking more caffeine, this allows for more long term energy in the mind/body. Overall the taste can not be compared to any other tea, its like drinking a sweet leaf.

Preparation
Boiling 5 min, 0 sec 2 tsp 8 OZ / 236 ML

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

95
4 tasting notes

Love this tea. The energy it gives me is wonderful while trying to start my day. Love it mixed with Teavana teas.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.