WHAT IS GUAYUSA
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa) and yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) are botanical relatives in the holly family. Both contain naturally occurring caffeine, but they have distinct origins and flavors: guayusa has deep roots in the Ecuadorian Amazon and typically brews smooth and earthy with a subtle sweetness. Yerba mate comes from farther south in South America and often tastes grassy and more bitter, with smoky notes in some traditionally processed varieties.
Guayusa has long been cultivated and enjoyed by Indigenous communities, including Amazonian Kichwa communities.
Rooted in living traditions
For generations, guayusa has been part of daily life in Amazonian Kichwa communities, during the Guayusa Upina, an early-morning gathering for conversation and sharing knowledge.
These traditions belong to the communities who practice them and continue to evolve today. Learning about guayusa means recognizing the people whose cultivation and knowledge have shaped its story.
HOW GUAYUSA IS GROWN
In the Ecuadorian Amazon, guayusa is cultivated within traditional agroforestry gardens known as chakras. These gardens bring together trees, food crops, and other plants, drawing on generations of Indigenous agricultural knowledge.
This approach is part of a living agricultural tradition maintained by the families who tend these gardens.
Our Purpose
We make flavorful guayusa blends that bring a little more enjoyment to everyday routines.
We source our guayusa from Ecuador and aim to build a thoughtful business through clear ingredient information, honest communication, and respect for guayusa’s origins.