Enjoying Yerba Mate in Florida

The South American beverage is known for its unique flavor and numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, provides an energy boost without the jitters, and aids digestion. The herbal tea is best when shared with friends and family. The leaves are dried, infused in hot water and sipped with a metal straw from … Read more

How to Make Yerba Mate Without a Gourd

Since there are so many ways to make yerba mate without a gourd, I’ve listed the best way for each of the ten methods below. Never use boiling water. For every 8 ounces of fluid, use 1 tablespoon of the herb. Using a Tea Strainer and Yerba Mate The good thing about a tea strainer … Read more

Yerba Mate Benefits

What does yerba mate do to your body? This South American drink is full of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. It contains more active compounds than green tea. Yerba mate provides a natural energy boost similar to coffee but without the caffeine crash. It also has adaptogenic properties that promote calm. The … Read more

Mate Production and History

What country produces the most mate? Mate is most popular in Paraguay and Uruguay. In Uruguay, the largest consumer, 10 kg of mate is consumed annually per capita. Materva is a sweet, carbonated soft drink based on mate developed in Cuba in 1920, and produced since the 1960s in Miami, Florida. Mate contains caffeine, theobromine, … Read more

What does yerba mate treat?

Overview Mate is a plant native to South America. Its leaves are used to make a tea-like drink consumed for its stimulant effects. Mate contains caffeine, theobromine and antioxidants. It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, with slightly less caffeine. The indigenous Guaraní first cultivated mate in parts of modern-day Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. … Read more

Yerba Maté Production

Yerba maté originates from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis. This holly tree is native to the Atlantic rainforests of South America. The indigenous Guaraní and Tupi tribes first cultivated yerba maté. Today, it is commonly consumed in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is a cultural beverage, shared between friends and families. Yerba maté … Read more

Preparing Mate Gourds

Traditional Curing Method To prepare a mate gourd, first clean out the inside. New gourds contain loose material that can make the mate taste bitter. Remove this using one of two curing methods. The traditional curing method takes a few days. First, rinse the gourd and let it dry completely. Next, sand the inside to … Read more

Potential Health Benefits of Yerba Matè Tea

What are the health benefits of this herbal tea? This herbal tea is a plant native to South America. The leaves are used to make a tea that has been consumed for thousands of years. It contains caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. The tea is from the dried leaves of an evergreen holly, … Read more

South American Drink Mixing Ideas

What is good to mix with the herbal infusion? The South American drink can be found in teas, smoothies, and cocktails. These drinks combine its flavors with ingredients to create a delightful, energizing experience. A creamy latte with steamed milk, the herbal tea, and sweetener is an indulging, satisfying coffee alternative. Mocktails provide a unique, … Read more