Mate Info Mate is a plant native to South America. Its leaves can be used to make a bitter drink called mate. Mate is traditionally consumed from a gourd using a metal straw. The plant grows wild but is also cultivated. The mate drink contains caffeine and theobromine which have an invigorating effect. It is … Read more
Who should not take mate? Mate is an herb like oregano, mint, parsley. The earth has many consumable herbs we enjoy without hesitation. Ilex appears to be an adaptogen, an herb that helps the body adapt to stress. Ilex has a higher caffeine level than green tea. More green tea can balance this out. Ilex … Read more
Yerba Mate Overview Yerba mate is made by steeping dried leaves from the holly tree in hot water. This plant grows in South America – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. People in these countries believe that drinking yerba mate brings people together; it’s customary to share a gourd filled with this infusion with family and … Read more
Filling the Gourd Mate gourds, especially stainless steel and ceramic ones, are recommended for retaining the heat of the water. Grab your gourd, and fill up two-thirds of it with some loose-leaf mate. Cover the entire top of the gourd, and give it 2-3 good shakes to get the polvo (powder or dust) out. It … Read more
Mate is an herbal tea from South America. The plant and drink originated there. Mate contains caffeine unlike most herbal teas. It has a strong, distinctive flavor. Traditionally, mate is served in a gourd with a special straw. The gourd is called a mate. The straw is a bombilla. I make mate in a teapot … Read more
Guayaki Yerba Mate is a brand of yerba mate founded in California in 1996. Guayaki sources its organic yerba mate from small farmer cooperatives in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The plant grows in regions with high humidity, rainfall, and fertile soil. This South American tea has a long history, with indigenous tribes incorporating it for … Read more
The beverage is a species of the holly genus with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. It was first cultivated by the indigenous Guaraní people prior to European colonization. Types There are six commercial types … Read more
Guayaki Yerba Mate contains 30-50 mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving. This is similar to black tea and less than coffee. The canned drinks contain about 160 mg per 16 oz, comparable to mainstream energy drinks. The herbal tea has other beneficial compounds like antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids. It may provide mental alertness, … Read more
Traditional Method With a French press, adjust tea strength by changing the amount and steeping time from 1-3 minutes. Find the best method for your taste. An infuser kettle also works to brew the tea. To prepare, fill a gourd or cup with leaves. Pour hot, not boiling, water over the leaves. Let it steep … Read more
Health Benefits Is yerba mate actually good for you? This caffeine-containing South American drink made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant has health benefits similar to coffee, tea, and chocolate. Indigenous South Americans called it "the drink of the gods." It contains polyphenols and saponins which may boost immunity, improve heart health, … Read more
