Yerba Mate Tea

Yerba Mate Tea is a Herbal Tea like no other. It originates from South America, boasting a distinct herbaceous flavour with a unique energy kick. Indeed, unlike most of its herbal counterparts, it contains a significant amount of caffeine, a stimulating chemical compound renowned for getting you out of bed in the morning. We pack it fresh to order, which ensures not only quality but also consistency. 

What is Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate Herbal Tea (pronounced “Yer-bah-mah-tay”) comes from the Ilex Paraguariensis plant of the Holy (Aquifoliaceae) botanical family. Thriving in South American rainforests, it stands six to eight metres tall and produces evergreen leaves, small fruit berries and greenish-white flowers. Brewing the leaves, in particular, is so popular that it is now the national drink in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

In Portuguese-speaking countries, it’s called “chimarrão”. In Spanish speaking countries, it’s instead known as “cimarrón”. Harvesting occurs twice a year, during which time workers pick only the youngest and greenest leaves, dry them over fires, and chop them into smaller pieces. The result is a delicious infusion reminiscent of smoked wood, tobacco and Green Tea with slightly astringent undertones. 

Yerba Mate Tea Caffeine Content

Aside from its delectable taste, Yerba Mate Loose Leaf Tea can help deliver energy in a moment’s notice. This is because of its abundance of caffeine, which is a rare trait in Herbal Tea. The average serving contains about 85-mg of the constituent, amounting to less than Roast Coffee but more than Black Tea. It is, in other words, the perfect choice when wanting to start the day the right way. 

About Yerba Mate Utensils

The traditional method of drinking Yerba Mate involves two vital utensils. The first is a dried and hollowed-out Gourd used as a cup.

The second is a straw known as a Bombilla (Spanish) or Bomba (Portuguese). We stock both accessories here, although it’s worth noting that the latter item requires curing and, in the long term, caring for. Additional information is available via our blog page. 

How to Make Yerba Mate Tea with a Gourd

1. Fill a Gourd ⅔ with Loose Leaf Yerba Mate.
   
   
2. Create a small pit in the leaves, preferably on one side.
   
   
3. Pour a small amount of cool water into the pit to moisturise it.
   
   
4. Insert the Yerba Mate straw into the pit.
   
   
5. Gradually pour hot (not boiling) water into the pit.
   
   
6. Allow it to infuse for three to six minutes before serving. 

How to Make Yerba Mate Tea in a French Press

Another option is to brew Yerba Mate in a French Press (Cafetière). Start by putting the leaves into the filter, then slowly pour in hot water.

Once it has brewed for about four to six minutes (depending on the desired strength), you can gently push down the plunger as you would with Roast Coffee. Meanwhile, those wondering whether you can reuse Yerba Mate Tea will be pleased to know that you can. 

How to Serve: Consider adding sugar. Alternatively, indulge without additions. 

Tasting Notes: Imparts a strong and earthy aroma with smoky, woody and grassy flavours akin to the Amazonian landscape from where the Tea originates. 

Is Yerba Mate Tea Good For You? 

Research has shown that Yerba Mate can reduce cholesterol levels. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has the answers. This 40-day project saw participants drink 11 ounces (330 ml) of Yerba Mate Tea daily. At the end of the study, researchers noted that “bad” LDL cholesterol had lowered by 8.6-13.1%.

Please read our Yerba Mate Benefits article for more information.