Preparing and Enjoying Mate

Can I brew mate like tea? This drink is a tea growing in popularity due to health benefits and flavor. It improves brain function and prevents cancers. It naturally contains stimulants like theobromine. Mate can provide an energy boost without side effects like insomnia. It’s made by steeping leaves like tea but has extra steps … Read more

Why is mate so expensive?

Organic brands tend to cost more due to extra care during farming and making, with prices around $15 for a 1-pound bag. There are over 200 brands on the market. Popular ones include Cruz de Malta, Taragui, and Rosamonte, each with unique flavors and traits. Red vs Blue Taragui The Taragui brand is known for … Read more

Why is the infusion drunk through a straw?

The beverage is a tea-like drink popular in South America. It is brewed from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The infusion has a long history and is steeped in tradition. It is often referred to as the "drink of the gods." The brew is traditionally consumed from a gourd using a special straw … Read more

Can babies drink yerba mate?

After researching and consulting medical experts, I learned differing opinions on its safety during pregnancy. Some studies suggest small amounts may be safe, others advise against it due to caffeine. The yerba mate tea has a bitter flavor. It has been used in South America for centuries as an everyday drink and medicine, even during … Read more

History and Culture of Yerba Mate

What is the yerba mate tradition? The South American herb is native to South America used to make the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather. The infusion became popular in these countries and ended up … Read more

What is the best mate herb?

The yerba mate herb is native to South America. The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by native birds. This makes commercial cultivation more difficult and therefore the herb more precious. Defining a good mate is more about personal tastes than product quality. Traditional mate varies depending on the region where it is grown … Read more

What are the ingredients in Samurai Chai mate?

Ilex paraguariensis is an evergreen holly plant called Ilex paraguariensis. The leaves and twigs of this South American plant are dried and steeped in hot water to make a tea called maté. It can be enjoyed hot or cold. Our Samurai Chai Mate blend combines maté with chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black … Read more

Is yerba mate safe to drink daily?

Drinking large amounts of yerba mate (1-2 liters daily) for a long time increases the risk of some types of cancer. This risk is especially high for people who smoke or drink alcohol. This caffeinated beverage contains caffeine. Consuming it can cause side effects such as insomnia, upset stomach, increased heart rate. It is possibly … Read more

Where is it found?

The leaves of this evergreen shrub are ground to make a hot infusion called mate in Spanish-speaking countries or chimarrão in Brazil. This drink contains caffeine and is typically enjoyed communally from a gourd using a metal straw. Even though commonly referred to as tea, it technically is not tea. To prepare traditional mate, dried … Read more