Yerba is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. Yerba is known for its energy-boosting properties. As many reading will know already, yerba is traditionally smoked to give it a more full-bodied, and of course a smoky flavour. Levels of smoke vary from brand to brand, and usually drinkers develop a preference for how much smoke they enjoy.
When it comes to identifying smoked yerba, there are a few key visual cues to look out for. Firstly, color variations in the leaves can indicate smoking, with darker or charred patches suggesting a smoky flavor. Additionally, the aroma of the yerba can provide further confirmation, as a distinct smoky scent is a clear indication of smoking during processing.
If you are looking to quit smoking, then substituting that taste of tobacco for the taste of mate can help to keep cravings at bay.
How many cups of yerba tea should you drink per day?
Before moving on to the amount of consumption, it is better to get familiar with yerba first. Yerba is not as popular as other beverages like tea and coffee all over the world. It is considered to be the mixture of tea, coffee, and chocolate, as it provides the strength of coffee, delight as that of chocolate and health benefits like that of tea.
Yerba is a tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant native to South America. It can be consumed hot or cold. Traditionally drunk from a gourd or cup, called a mate, through a metal straw that has a filter at one end, called a bombilla.
Smoked yerba contains higher levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which in high amounts may increase cancer risk. However, moderation is key.
The yerba plant grows in parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Each region produces slightly different tasting mate. The flavor, strength, ageing process, and cut of the leaves all affect the final product. Personal taste plays a big role in mate preference.
Yerba contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. It provides a balanced energy boost. Alongside caffeine, it contains antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins. Research shows yerba has potential health benefits like reducing cholesterol, stimulating immunity, and aiding digestion. However, its cancer risk needs more research due to the traditional smoking production process. Knowing your source and moderating intake is wise.
Guayaki Yerba Mate is unsmoked, air dried without smoke to speed the process. Unsmoked yerbas are increasing in popularity due to negative associations with smoked foods.
Although yerba is technically a tea, Guayaki Yerba Mate is marketed as a healthier alternative to energy drinks due to its high caffeine content. Much like traditional wines from single estates, Guayaki uses time-honored processing methods to create high quality yerba.
Yerba awakens the mind, brings people together and creates community around the world. In the U.S. it is widely available, with claims it relieves fatigue, aids weight loss, eases depression and helps various conditions, though evidence is lacking. Enjoy yerba in moderation and check with your doctor before trying.
Canarias yerba is made in the Canary Islands in Spain, hence the name. This herb has a unique bitter and intense flavor typical of yerba. Canarias is an acclaimed brand in Uruguay with a loyal customer base. It has an organic, natural product range from tea bags to loose yerba. The company supports sustainability and fair trade.
Unsmoked Canarias yerba is dried efficiently in a two-stage process using only clean hot air, no smoke. First flash heating then slow drying at 175°F. The result is an unsmoked yerba with a clean flavor.