Mate Tea

Why is this herbal tea so expensive?

The mate herb is produced from holly leaves from an evergreen plant native to only a few regions in South America. The plant can grow in different settings, but the best tasting mate comes from leaves grown in the shade of the rainforest.

It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.

The yerba mate seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by specific native birds, making commercial cultivation more difficult and therefore the herb more precious.

This tea is served in a type of wooden and metal cup, a hollow calabash gourd or an animal horn called guampa. It’s one of the few plants that naturally produce caffeine. Whether making it hot or cold, the mate herb is a great herbal alternative to coffee.

In our quest to identify the best brands, we’ve tested dozens, exploring forms, processing methods, flavor intensities, and price points. The mate herb contains caffeine and other key compounds shown to enhance memory, focus, mood and slow blood clotting.

Is guayaki real mate?

Guayakí aims to spread mate culture while protecting the environment through ethical business. The mate plant has properties similar to caffeinated plants. Guayaki mate is made from the leaves and stems of the South American mate plant.

Guayaki has turned mate into my new “energy drink” of choice. The mate herb contains nourishing leaves from the celebrated South American rainforest holly tree (Ilex paraguariensis).

The fascinating aspect is how it is grown. The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by very specific native birds. This makes commercial cultivation more difficult.

Drinking very hot mate at temps of 149 degrees F or warmer is connected to higher cancer risks, likely due to PAHs which are carcinogenic.

The premixed Guayakí drink is comparable to other regular energy drinks, with around 160 mg per 16-ounce can.

Which one is the best brand?

Defining a great mate tea is about personal tastes and preferences. Traditional mate tea varies depending on the region.

Drinking very hot mate is connected to higher cancer risks, likely due to PAHs which are carcinogenic. Too much caffeine increases miscarriage risk and the risk of low birth weight.

• Taragui is one of the oldest. With a century of experience, this Argentinian company ensures high-quality mate. The taste is bitter, smoky with a scent of leather and a mildly acidic aftertaste.

• This mate drink provides an energizing experience with fair trade ingredients. It has a flavor mix as a refreshing alternative to energy drinks.

• The traditional gourd was originally developed by the Guarani people. The traditional way of preparing and enjoying mate tea is by using a gourd and bombilla.

It shares properties with green tea, except for one difference.

• Cruz de Malta is a mild mate from Argentina, with no bitterness but a bit of smoke. Because of the mild taste, this is good for beginners. It comes in flavors and is inexpensive so you can make one serving last.

• Guayaki is the best option available for most North Americans. However, many South Americans believe it is too rough cut. They prefer more traditional flavors in Cruz De Malta with its sweet, smoky tones.

I make about 3 cups daily. It provides focus and energy with the caffeine and oils working together.

• Playadito is number one in Argentina sales. Consumers asked for high quality mate tea with a soft taste and long mate cycles. Playadito is a traditional yerba mate with gentle stimulation and smooth taste.

• The Mate Factor brand provides organic mate tea varieties. They don’t smoke or age their leaves. This is one of their best teas, packed generously for solid flavor. It is rich in minerals, antioxidants, chlorophyll, and vitamins for maximum energizing effects.

Are mate teas good for you?

Drinking mate may help with weight loss, fatigue, headaches, and other conditions. However, there is limited evidence for these benefits.

Mate has a strong, bitter, vegetal taste. Traditionally, mate is sipped from a gourd using a metal straw. Sharing the gourd is said to promote friendship.

Drinking mate increases metabolism and fat burning, especially during exercise. This can aid weight loss and obesity treatment. It also seems to improve blood lipid levels.

Some risks include increased chance of certain cancers. More research is still needed on the health effects.