Guayaki is California’s first certified B Corporation and organic by USDA. Additionally, the company is certified fair trade and biodynamic. In April 2021, Stefan Kozak became the new CEO after leading Red Bull North America.
The mate plant grows best in regions with high humidity, rainfall, and fertile soil in Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Differences from Coffee and Tea
Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea, mate has some differences from these two popular beverages. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, offering potential health benefits like enhanced focus, increased energy, improved digestion, and a strengthened immune system.
Guayaki is the biggest yerba mate company in the United States, founded by Alex Pryor and David Karr in 1996. Their goal was spreading yerba mate while protecting the environment.
Low PAH Levels
Guayaki tests have shown lower PAH levels compared to traditionally smoked brands because only some of their yerba is smoke-dried, while most is air-dried. They also only harvest shade-grown yerba, claiming yerba grown under sunlight can taste more bitter.
The flavor resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs and grass, similar to some varieties of green tea. To achieve the ideal brewing temperature, the water should be heated to 65-70°C. This temperature range helps extract the flavors without scorching the leaves. It is recommended to let yerba mate steep for 3-5 minutes.
Calming Effects
It has the same amount of caffeine but does not make the drinker jittery. Yerba mate has adaptogenic properties to regulate the body’s systems. It is similar to nutrients in tea that promote calm.
History
The Spanish colonized South America, learned benefits from the Guarani. Soon it gained popularity. Jesuit missionaries spread consumption for economic potential.
Harvesting and Processing
Leaves and twigs dried over fire, steeped to make tea. Caffeine stimulant. Possible benefits but no definitive evidence. Exposed through Guayaki company.
Propagation
Selecting seeds from mature plants. Young seedlings sheltered, multiplied. Harvesting biannual for recovery. Leaves, stems, upper branches gathered. Short stem dozen leaves. Dried, chopped, ground into powder.
Nutritional Information
Yerba mate contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. Its caffeine content varies between 0.7% and 1.7% of dry weight compared to 0.4–9.3% for tea leaves and up to 3.2% for coffee.
Popularity
Referred to as the “drink of the Gods”, it is even more popular than coffee in some areas. Wild grown yerba mate is most desirable, free from growth chemicals. It is possible to cultivate it organically. Organic yerba may cost more but has health benefits.
Low PAH Levels
Guayaki ensures low PAH levels in their product compared to traditionally smoked yerba, since only some of theirs is smoke-dried. Most Guayaki yerba is air-dried. They also only harvest shade-grown yerba, claiming it reduces bitterness.
Sustainability Practices
Beyond selling yerba mate, Guayakí builds partnerships with producers to promote sustainable agriculture. This method conserves land and water. Guayakí values both social and environmental responsibility.
Health Benefits
Yerba mate is nutritious and said to have health benefits. It stimulates your central nervous system. Yerba mate contains compounds that may protect against heart disease. Yerba mate isn’t likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it. With Guayaki Traditional in particular, tests show much lower PAH levels compared to traditionally smoked brands because only some of their yerba is smoke-dried. They also only harvest shade-grown yerba that is less bitter.
Caffeine Content
Although yerba mate is technically a tea, Guayaki Yerba Mate has high caffeine content that can compete with energy drinks. So caffeine-sensitive people should moderate intake. Guayaki’s mission is to steward rainforest, using a sustainable business model that allows investment in communities. Yerba mate is shade-grown by small farmers, improving nutrition and flavor. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more, packed with even more antioxidants than green tea.