The beverage is commonly compared to green tea. Besides, with four different types and hundreds of different brands to try, it’s hard to choose. Our favorite brands combine great flavor with reasonable pricing.
The drink is a hot beverage enjoyed in many South American countries, and often has cultural customs and traditions surrounding it. The styles are Argentine, Uruguayan, and Paraguayan which are grown in their respective countries.
Health Concerns
Pregnant women should speak to their doctors before drinking mate.
Favorite Mate Brand
This mate provides an energizing experience with its organic and fair trade ingredients. It has a mix of orange, tangerine, and lime that offers a refreshing alternative to regular energy drinks.
Identifying Bombilla Material
I bought this bombilla from a garage sale and wanted to know what it could be made of and if it’s safe to drink from. Looks like copper to me but since I can’t see the inside I’m not sure if it’s clean or not.
Mate is similar to nutrients found in tea that promote a sense of calm.
Top 5 Yerba Mate Products
Amazon has a large selection of loose leaf mate teas for a reasonable price. Next, let’s take a closer look at 5 products that include some of my all-time favorites.
Preparing Mate
I make about 3 cups of Yerba Mate which calls for 6 Tsps. Here are the steps:
- Boil water to a fast boil.
- Mate – Place 6 tsps of Yerba mate in the french press.
There are even special ceremonies arranged to share the drink with friends using a gourd and bombilla. In this article, we will walk through everything you need to know to choose the best brands on the planet.
History and Origins
The beverage originated in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. It is a caffeinated herbal tea that is often compared to coffee and green tea. The drink contains about the same amount of caffeine as coffee but does not cause jitters. It also has adaptogenic properties that help regulate the body’s systems.
The best mate combines great flavor, responsible production, reasonable pricing, and ease of use. Those new to the drink may prefer a blended variety with added flavors and fewer stems. Fans of green tea may enjoy a more traditional brew.
We reviewed several products to determine the best options currently available. For a smooth, mild mate that is perfect for beginners, try Rosamonte Special Selection. Taragui is one of the oldest brands and provides a bold, smoky flavor. Guayaki is the first fair trade company and focuses on sustainability.
Cultivation and Production
To produce the beverage, seeds from mature plants are grown in nurseries for 9-12 months. The climate conditions in these regions are ideal for the cultivation. The leaves are dried over a fire to make tea bags or loose leaf tea. Traditionally, mate is sipped from a gourd using a metal straw. Sharing from a gourd is thought to promote friendship.
Which mate is the best?
The drink was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. Welcome to The Official Buying Guide, where you’ll easily learn everything you need to buy mate and start drinking like a True Drinker, also known as a Matero (pronounced MAH-ter-ROW). Mate is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. Mate is used to make a beverage known as mate.
Where Mate is Grown
In South America, the drink is commonly grown in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. The climate conditions in these regions are ideal for the cultivation. Whether you are new to mate or just looking for a unique product with an interesting taste, Kraus organic mate is must try. Produced in Argentina by the Kraus family company, it is cultivated in harmony with nature.
Top Brands for Beginners
- Playadito introduces you to the traditional South American tea ritual. It’s made in Corrientes, Argentina. This brand brings an authentic experience with a balanced flavor profile that makes it one of the best brands for beginners.
Early History
The indigenous Guaraní and some Tupí communities first cultivated and consumed the drink prior to European colonization of the Americas. Its consumption was exclusive to the natives of only two regions of the territory that today is Paraguay, more specifically the departments of Amambay and Alto Paraná.
Major Producers
Argentina produces the most yerba mate, accounting for around 80% of global production. Brazil and Paraguay also cultivate significant amounts of yerba mate. The climate and soil conditions in these countries are ideal for growing high quality yerba mate plants. Argentina has a long tradition of yerba mate cultivation and consumption, with the practice being an integral part of Argentine culture and cuisine. Many of the top yerba mate brands are based in Argentina as well.