The barbacuá drying system they used is still used today and is exactly what led to our current controversy. It wasn’t until the South American tea became more popularized and reached global markets that unsmoked varieties started to come about. We now see articles with sensational headlines like ‘Drinking this tea is as dangerous as smoking 100 cigarettes’. What does unsmoked yerba mate mean? We flash-heat the leaves with hot air. Then we slow-dry it with warm air at 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Both stages are 100% smoke-free. This helps us achieve a clean, smooth taste.
An 8oz serving of yerba mate tea contains 30-50mg of caffeine. This moderate amount of caffeine provides a gentle energy boost without jitters or crash. Caffeine sensitivities vary so the tea should be consumed in moderation.
The yerba leaves are air dried without smoke to increase popularity. Guayaki is an ethical and responsible producer of yerba mate. Taragui no longer “smoke dries” their yerba mate.
Unlike smoked yerba mate tea, which is dried using smoke from wood fires, unsmoked varieties are dried using hot air, preserving the natural flavors and aromas of the leaves. This allows the tea to retain its full nutritional profile and antioxidants. The cultivation techniques result in a smoother, milder flavor. When the leaves are harvested, they’re transported to their first drying step.
Yerba mate works to soften stool, stimulate bowel movements, boost energy, improve mental focus, and suppress appetite due to its high caffeine content. Our favorite yerba mate combines great flavor with responsible production, reasonable pricing, and ease of use. If you’re new to yerba mate, you may prefer a non-traditional blend with fewer stems.
Both stages are 100% smoke-free. This helps us achieve a clean, smooth taste that is truly worthy of the name, Unsmoked! What happens if you smoke yerba mate? As many reading will know already, yerba mate is traditionally smoked to give it a more full-bodied, and of course a smoky flavour. Levels of smoke vary from brand to brand, and usually drinkers develop a preference for how much smoke they enjoy.
Yerba mate promotes healthy digestion by increasing stomach acid and bile secretions, working to soften stool and stimulate bowel movements. Because yerba mate contains more caffeine than green tea, it offers more fat burning and boosts metabolism.
Too much caffeine causes headaches, anxiety, insomnia and blood pressure changes. Starting slowly with yerba mate tea until finding ideal quantity and frequency is important. Ensuring appropriate temperature when preparing yerba mate prevents mouth and throat harm long term.