Also known as Paraguay tea and yerba mate; mate is an herb prepared from the leaves of a South America evergreen shrub, Illex paraguayensis, a relative of the common holly. The leaves are oval and about 6 inches long. Flowers of the plant are small and white. The fruit appears in small clusters of tiny red berries growing close to the stems of the plant. Like guarana and yopo, mate is rich in caffeine and was used as a caffeine beverage source by the native population of Latin America centuries before the European settlers arrived to establish coffee plantations.
Yerba Matte is called "The drink of the gods" by many of the indigenous people of South America who have brewed it for centuries. It was however, a people who believed in a different God that are responsible for the first commercial Yerba Matte plantations - Jesuit missionaries. Upon arriving in the new world, the Jesuits quickly adopted the native practice of drinking Yerba Matte as a tea. At the time, Yerba Matte leaves were only being harvested from wild stands of trees. Owing to its widespread popularity, the Jesuits realized the large economic potential of the plant and founded the first Yerba Matte plantations during the mid-1600?s.
Mate leaves are processed somewhat like tealeaves. The tips of the branches are cut just before the leaves reach full growth and the leaves are steamed and dried (in fired mate the leaves are dried over fires) The dried leaves are sifted and allowed to age in order to enhance the flavor of the mate. The caffeine content of mate is comparable to that of mild Arabica coffee.
Green Mate
Rich in caffeine, antioxidants, and nutrients, Mate has long been a staple in Latin America. Now gaining global popularity, it’s celebrated for boosting energy, enhancing athletic performance, and improving mental focus with clean, sustained energy—without the usual crashes. Rooted in tradition, Mate offers a natural, refreshing alternative to coffee, keeping both body and mind sharp.
Spec Sheet
Parana, Brazil
1500 - 3000 feet above sea level
Traditional process, Small batch crafted, Air and sun dried
Very High
No
Organic Compliant
Yes
80ºC
Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil (100ºC). Let water cool to about 80ºC. Place 1 teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Mate can be brewed in many different ways. The traditional way to prepare Yerba Mate is by using a Yerba Mate Gourd. Traditionally, yerba mate is prepared by filling a gourd (mate) about three-quarters full with yerba mate leaves. Warm (not boiling) water is poured over the leaves, and a metal straw (bombilla) is used to sip the infusion. The process involves repeatedly adding water to the same leaves, allowing for multiple servings from one preparation. However for simplicity Mate can also be brewed by using a basic tea pot and filter. To brew Yerba Mate in a tea pot, bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil (100ºC). Let water cool to about 80ºC. Place 1 teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz / 200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). To see how to brew Mate traditionally do check out our blog and social media!
Morning + Afternoon
Yes
Discover premium, eco-friendly loose leaf teas that nourish body and soul.
I used to be a Twinnings Earl Grey loose leaf tea girl.... but then I tried this. Wow, there is no going back! The tea is perfumed but with a freshness rather than sweetness and that's it now...what a difference. I'm so glad I sat next to 'Mr Totally Loose Leaf' on a plane recently and can see why he raved about the tea - he is so right and I am so glad I bought and tried some - thank you!