Origins of Herbal Tea

The herbal tea originated with the Guarani, native South American tribes. The Jesuits predicted its commercial potential and investigated why it grew only in this region. They discovered toucans pre-digested the seeds. The French naturalist Aimé Bonpland confirmed this half a century later. When the Spanish colonized South America, they learned of the brew from … Read more

Traditional Yerba Mate Brewing

For a traditional unsmoked yerba mate like Eco Teas, it’s recommended to use water that is around 160-170°F (70-75°C). This temperature range allows the delicate flavors of the mate to shine without extracting any bitter or astringent notes. Avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the leaves. By adjusting the water temperature, you can … Read more

Preparation

Can you steep the drink too long? The beverage is a plant native to South America, used to make a traditional drink. To brew, add leaves to a container and pour hot water over. Steep for 3-5 minutes, using a metal straw to drink from. This allows the full flavor to extract, without getting bitter … Read more

Is Guayakí yerba healthy?

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves of the yerba mate tree. It’s known for its many health benefits. Yerba mate contains caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s said to provide energy, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. Yerba mate is found growing wild and is also cultivated on plantations. … Read more

What is the best mate flavor for beginners?

The 5 Best Mate Brands (Or What Everyone MUST-TRY!) What’s the best mate brand? If you’re reading this, you probably asked yourself that. I know I did when I first started drinking. It is important to start with a right mate that can be enjoyed even by a novice; mate that will introduce those earthy … Read more

Preparing Mate at Home

What is Mate? Mate is a tea made from the leaves of a South American holly plant. It has a robust, slightly bitter flavor. The traditional way to drink it is out of a hollowed-out gourd called a mate. The mate is filled with dried leaves, then hot water is poured over them. The tea … Read more

How much yerba mate should you drink daily?

The South American herb is an adaptogen, providing energy and mental clarity. But can too much be harmful? The recommended daily intake is 1-2 liters, allowing health benefits without excess. South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters daily. In U.S., Canada and Europe, avid drinkers consume 1–2 liters. Consuming the infusion moderately provides antioxidants, immunity boosting, … Read more

Which is the strongest yerba mate?

The herbal drink has 30-50 milligrams of caffeine per serving, lower than coffee but higher than tea. It offers health benefits like antioxidants and potential weight management. If you want a caffeine boost, choose a blend with high caffeine. We’ve tested dozens of brands, exploring forms, methods, flavors, and prices. Here are the best: Best … Read more

Is My Yerba Mate Expired?

This herbal tea is possibly unsafe when taken in large amounts or for long periods of time. Specifically, the effects of temperature are crucial in preserving its flavor and aroma. To maintain its freshness, make sure you store the herbal drink in a cool and dry place. The storage conditions can have a significant impact … Read more

How do you drink yerba mate for beginners?

So you heard about this popular South American drink but don’t know the best way to get started. That’s all you need to start drinking the tea, especially if you’re a beginner. The straw – or bombilla – has a screened filter on one end to keep out small bits of leaves. And while it … Read more