Where to Find Yerba Mate
This South American beverage is known for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. Check out some Argentinean restaurants in Okeechobee, FL for a taste of authentic cuisine and a chance to find it, like La Esquina Argentina, where you can enjoy a delicious empanada and sip on a refreshing mate tea.
My Favorite Yerba Mate Store
PampaDirect is a fairly new online store but they’ve already gained my trust and loyalty as a customer. What better way to start this list than with my favorite yerba mate store in the world. Although this may seem like I’m biased towards them (which frankly I am), it’s for good reason… PampaDirect is the best place to buy it.
Places to Buy or Drink Yerba Mate in Miami
So it’s no surprise that there is a huge population of dedicated drinkers in Miami and Florida in general. Below are a few places you can either buy a freshly made infusion or buy your loose leaves to make your own at home.
Graziano’s Mercado website. "Hungry since 1962" is the 1st thing you see on Graziano’s homepage. People that love food, make good food. Graziano’s is a family run restaurant and sell it to give you the full Argentinian experience. Address: 177 SW 7th St, Miami, FL 33130.
Is Yerba Mate Still Popular?
This tea is known for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. It is an evergreen tree that grows in the subtropical region of South America. The leaves are dried over a fire and then infused in hot water to make the tea. It is rich in antioxidants, provides an energy boost without the jitters, and aids digestion. This tea is typically consumed from a container called gourd and sipped with a metal straw.
In Miami and Florida there are a few places you can either buy a freshly made infusion or buy your loose leaves to make your own at home. You can also find it in large supermarkets. If you want to shy away from big box chain stores, Brazilian-oriented markets will stock plenty of it.
What Drug Is in Yerba Mate Tea?
Similar to coffee, it contains caffeine which can be addictive. It has become more popular in the United States recently with its availability on grocery store shelves and use as a health supplement. There are some concerns about addiction if consumed regularly but these risks are no worse than drinking tea or caffeine.
Drinking very hot yerba mate is connected to higher cancer risks, possibly due to carcinogenic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) it contains. You may also experience caffeine side effects if you drink high amounts.
Potential Side Effects of Drinking Yerba Mate Tea
However, it may also have some side effects when consumed in excess. The main concern is its caffeine content, which can cause insomnia, anxiety, and increased heart rate and blood pressure in some people. Additionally, drinking very hot yerba mate over long periods may increase esophageal cancer risk.
To reduce risks, start with moderate amounts and avoid steeping it in very hot water. Those with medical conditions affected by caffeine, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women, should exercise caution. Overall, it is likely safe in moderation for most healthy adults. More research is still needed on its long-term effects.