Origins of Yerba Mate

The caffeinated drink originated with the indigenous Guarani people of Paraguay and Brazil. The Guarani used the plant leaves to make tea-like beverages. They believed it had medicinal properties and was a sacred plant gifted by the gods. The Guarani consumed the drink for centuries before Spanish colonization. The Jesuits later forbade then promoted it … Read more

Does mate mold?

Mate is a plant found in South America. Its leaves are used to make a caffeinated drink. This drink is commonly consumed from a hollow gourd. The gourd develops a dark stain over time from the mate. This stain is normal and not mold. True mold inside a gourd appears green, furry, or slimy. To … Read more