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 two main products: the red variant and the blue variant. The difference is that the red one has stems while the blue one removes stems before grinding leaves.
The red bag has woody, creamy flavor while the blue bag undergoes processing, affecting flavor. Some suggest the stems are bitter but there is more to it. Including stems provides fuller-body, robust flavor and doesn’t clog the filter as easily.
The herb is native to South America where it’s incredibly popular, served more than coffee. It’s thought to enhance stamina, a priority in historical nomadic, warrior societies. Seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by native birds, making farming difficult and the herb precious.
Argentina: Top Producer
Argentina is largest producer and most popular in the United States. Producers use all plant parts when making the drink: medium leaves, short stems and powder.
Drinkers like blending the herb with Guayusa, related “holly tree” family plant also native to the region. Guayusa provides caffeine kick and fruity flavors with sweetness. It’s hard to over-brew so still tastes good if brewing is messed up.
Where is Taragui Made?
Taragui is crafted in Corrientes, Argentina. It improves cardiovascular health, lowers cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis, and has a hypotensive effect. Taragui also has a natural energizing and stimulating effect due to its caffeine.
As one of the oldest companies, Taragui is an excellent morning drink. It retains flavor well when refilled multiple times. The genuine taste makes Taragui a classic. Taragui goes through meticulous selection and controlled drying.
Where is Mate Found?
The herb is a plant found in South America. Its leaves are used to make mate. Referred to as the “drink of the Gods”, mate is popular in some regions, even more than coffee. Mate may increase lifespan in some organisms. Mate is considered to have stimulant effects like coffee.
Argentinians usually drink mate in the morning with fruit juice or at sunset. It’s served hot or cold. Mate drinking fosters emotional connections between people.
Commercial farming of mate is challenging since the seeds need to pass through birds to germinate.