Choosing the Best Yerba Mate Gourd

Stainless Steel Gourds Stainless steel gourds have a sleek and shiny appearance. Its formfitting shape also comfortably fits in your hand like a glove so it feels like it was made just for you. Stainless steel cups are the modern take on yerba mate gourds. The gourds are usually sleek and survive the wear and … Read more

How to Choose a Mate Cup

There are many kinds of mates. Mates come in varied shapes, colours and materials – there is something for everybody! We will discuss the factors to consider when choosing a mate cup, including size, shape, material and design. The Traditional Gourd Mate The most traditional is the gourd mate. First, a ripe and dry gourd … Read more

Is maté bad for you?

A traditional South American drink consumed for centuries, maté is made by steeping dried leaves from the maté plant in hot water. Containing 85mg of caffeine per cup, less than coffee but more than tea, maté may increase energy levels and make you feel less tired. In moderate amounts, drinking maté has been linked to … Read more

Caffeine Content of South American Holly

This herby tree is native to South America. The leaves are used to make a tea called mate. It has an herby, earthy flavor. It contains caffeine. On average, it has 70 mg of caffeine per cup compared to coffee’s 120 mg. However, a strong brew may contain more caffeine than coffee. It has less … Read more

Yerba Mate Pronunciation

This South American drink is consumed for its energizing properties. The correct way to pronounce it is "yehr-bah mah-teh". Mastering the pronunciation will allow you to order it accurately at cafes and restaurants. Origin The origin of this delicious beverage traces back to the Guarani people in what is now Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Although … Read more

Title: Preparing Mate

Boiling water makes mate taste bitter. There are different methods to brew the drink. With a tea strainer, teapot, French press or coffee maker, use one tablespoon per eight ounces of water. Let it steep three to five minutes. Tea bags are milder in flavor. Steep one tea bag per eight ounces of water. Title: … Read more

What is yerba mate considered?

Mate is a herbal infusion from the leaves and stems of the Paraguayan Holly tree. This evergreen plant is native to only a few regions in South America. The indigenous Guaraní first cultivated and consumed mate before European colonization. After the Jesuits discovered its potential, mate became widespread. The origins of yerba mate are filled … Read more

What are the actives in yerba mate?

Mate tea contains caffeine which provides an energy boost. It also contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Mate can improve mental function by stimulating dopamine production which enhances mood. Mate exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting enzymes and pathways involved in inflammation. This can also aid in weight loss. The many active compounds in mate such … Read more

Yerba Mate Export Market

Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of mate, with over 50 million kilograms exported worth more than $87 million in 2020. Argentina follows Brazil exporting over $85 million. Paraguay exports half by weight of Argentina. The main mate exporters include Germany and the Netherlands which import from Brazil. Uruguay imports the most mate mainly from … Read more

Is mate high in tannins?

Mate contains high levels of tannins, giving it a strong, slightly bitter flavor similar to coffee or black tea. The tannins contribute to its earthy, nutty, chocolatey taste. Higher temperatures and longer steeping times when brewing mate can increase tannin extraction and lead to more bitterness. Compared to coffee, the South American beverage provides a … Read more