Where to Buy Yerba Mate
Whether you’re looking for more brands to try, the best prices/deals, or just a store able to ship to your country so you can finally get a taste of this herb, PampaDirect has you covered. PampaDirect is my favorite yerba mate store in the world. The plant is produced from holly leaves from an evergreen plant native to only a few regions in South America. The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by very specific native birds. This makes commercial cultivation more difficult and therefore the herb more precious.
Best Yerba Mate Brand
Our research team has looked through the best yerba mate products on the market. For true, authentic, loose-leaf mate from Argentina, try Cruz de Malta Yerba Mate. This yerba mate has a stronger, smokier flavor than most.
Why Yerba Mate is Special
The brilliance of Yerba Mate is it contains all three stimulants. The xanthines are released into the body separately. This is why it provides a consistent vigor without the side effects of caffeine alone. What is Yerba Mate? Yerba mate is a species of the holly genus, with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní.
Drinking mate is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world.
What is Yerba Mate?
Yerba Mate is a small bush that produces evergreen leaves used to make yerba mate tea. The plant is native to southern parts of South America. In our quest to identify the best yerba mate, we’ve rigorously tested dozens of brands, exploring various forms, processing methods, flavor intensities, and price points. Yerba mate provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients.
Best Yerba Mate Brands
Which one is the best yerba mate?
There are four types with hundreds of brands to try. Some can leave a nasty taste. To avoid this, here are five of the best brands which most people enjoy.
The plant is native to South America where it’s popular as a hot drink, served more than coffee. It enhances stamina which was important for the historical nomadic, warrior society. It’s grown in a fascinating way – the seeds only germinate after being digested by specific native birds making commercial cultivation difficult and the herb more precious.
Health Risks
Drinking very hot mate at 149°F or warmer has higher cancer risks, possibly from PAHs which are carcinogenic. Too much caffeine can also cause side effects like migraines, high blood pressure, and sleep issues. Pregnant women should speak to doctors before drinking it since caffeine increases miscarriage and low birth weight risks.
Health Benefits
Mate has adaptogenic properties to regulate the body similar to nutrients in tea that promote calm. It shares properties with green tea except for one difference.
How to Prepare Mate
Even sweet light mate can become undrinkable if you don’t prepare it correctly in a 2/3 to 3/4 filled gourd with bombilla. Some suggest using less yerba mate or a french press but this makes an unbalanced “mate soup”. Properly prepared mate maintains balance as you pour in more hot water.
My Top 10 Yerba Mate Ranking
I ranked the top ten yerba mate products after research.
How Much to Drink
In the United States and Europe, avid mate drinkers may consume 1-2 liters per day. But most people limit intake to 2-3 cups per day. Consider your own tolerance when deciding how much mate to drink.
Enjoy in Moderation
Enjoy mate on its own or with friends. But be mindful of your consumption, as drinking too much may cause unwanted side effects. Moderation is key to enjoying mate safely.