Yerba Mate Green

Yerba Mate (also referred to simply as Mate) is a traditional South American brew that’s been said to offer the “strength of coffee, the benefits of a healthful tea, and the euphoria of chocolate” all in one beverage. It is a stimulating, naturally-caffeinated herbal tea which shares many of the same vitamins, minerals, and compounds found in green teas.

Brewed from the naturally caffeinated and nourishing leaves of the species of holly native to the South American Atlantic rainforest (Ilex paraguariensis),Yerba Maté provides antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, and B vitamins to support a healthy lifestyle. It is a balanced and healthful tea that produces a smooth and refreshing full bodied beverage, and is known as an energizer and rejuvenator. It has a satisfying richness that many people may find lacking in green tea, but it is less acidic than coffee. All Yerba Maté Leaf Teas do contain caffeine, and the caffeine content can vary, depending on which variety of maté it is, and how you prepare it. It does usually contain slightly less caffeine than coffee.

Yerba Mate is used as a stimulant to relieve mental and physical tiredness (fatigue), as well as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is also used for heart-related complaints including heart failure, irregular heartbeat, and low blood pressure. Some people use mate to improve mood and depression; to relieve headache and joint pains; to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bladder and kidney stones; for weight loss; and as a laxative.

Yerba Maté Tea is delicious all by itself, but many people like to flavor it. It goes great with milk, sweeteners, honey and lemon, different fruits, and even other herbs like mint or lemongrass. You can make a Yerba Maté latte or smoothie, and some people even like to combine it with a chai tea. It tastes great hot or cold! Yerba Maté iced or sun tea is another way to make this fabulous tea cold and refreshing.

Appearance, aroma and taste profile: Leafy with a slight camphor-like aroma. Has a slightly bitter taste similar to coffee. Goes well with cinnamon, vanilla and cardamom.

Botanical Name: Ilex paraguariensis

Common Names: Mate, Yerba Mate, St. Bartholomew's Tea, Jesuit's Tea, IlexParaguay Tea.