Tea preparation

History The leaves are made from a plant native to South America. The leaves are rich in caffeine and nutrients. How to make tea To brew: Use a French press or tea bags. Steep for 1-3 minutes. Longer steeping makes stronger tea. Add berries or bananas to make a smoothie. For traditional preparation, use a … Read more

Why is the infusion drunk through a straw?

The beverage is a tea-like drink popular in South America. It is brewed from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The infusion has a long history and is steeped in tradition. It is often referred to as the "drink of the gods." The brew is traditionally consumed from a gourd using a special straw … Read more

Can you grow yerba mate at home?

Yerba mate is a relatively rare plant in the United States though it is increasingly available to buy online. Growing yerba mate can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Yerba mate is used to make a beverage known as mate. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. Ilex paraguariensis, or yerba maté, … Read more

Origin and History

Who started yerba mate brand? The tea is a beverage traditionally consumed in South America, where it’s often called “the tea of the gods.” It’s especially common in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil, as well as in Syria and Lebanon. You may also know this drink as mate or maté, Paraguay tea or Brazilian … Read more

What teas should you avoid while breastfeeding?

You should avoid teas while breastfeeding that are either proven unsafe, or for which further study is required. The reason for this lack of certainty comes from the FDA labeling herbs as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). To help lose weight while breastfeeding, work up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Avoid … Read more

The South American Herbal Drink

Is the herbal drink sold in New York? The South American drink is made from the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a species of holly native to the region. The leaves contain caffeine, vitamins and minerals. The preparation involves steeping dried leaves in hot water. It has a distinctive herbal, grassy flavor. Availability in New … Read more

How much mate should I drink?

Mate is a tea from the leaves of a South American plant. How much should you drink? Some people there drink 1-4 liters daily. Here, it’s common for regular drinkers to have 1-2 liters per day. Several studies show 3 cups daily for 60 days is safe and beneficial. Higher doses may also be alright. … Read more

Harvesting Yerba Mate

Mate is a plant native to South America. The oval leaves are harvested by hand to reduce wilting and improve quality. First the leaves are dried, then stored to age. Aging enriches the flavor. Finally, the leaves are ground to varying sizes from dust to a couple millimeters. The mate plant thrives in loose, acidic … Read more

Tea Bag Shelf Life

How long do tea bags last? Tea bags last 1 to 2 years if stored properly in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and moisture. Check for signs of spoilage like musty or mouldy smell, discolouration or change in taste. Discard if any signs are present. The tea can last for several months … Read more

Yerba Mate vs Coffee Caffeine

Caffeine Content A cup of yerba typically has about 85 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains about 95. The South American herb is more caffeinated than regular black tea, but less than coffee. Drinking the caffeinated tea provides some of the improved focus and mood from drinking coffee — but less. The … Read more