Mate tea - Yerba mate

Yerba mate tea is a traditional South American drink, made mainly from the leaves and young shoots of the Paraguayan holly

Yerba Mate is popular in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil, where the culture of its consumption has been formed over the centuries.

Unlike the usual black or green tea, mate is not made from the tea bush Camellia sinensis.

The taste of mate depends on the origin and composition of the mixture. It can be grassy, ​​tart, bitter, smoky, mild, or even have fruity and citrus tones.

Argentine, Paraguayan or Brazilian mate - which mate should you choose?

➜ Argentine mate is often chosen as an introduction to traditional yerba mate. The blend usually contains leaves, fines, and pieces of stems (con palo). The flavor can be rich, herbaceous, and moderately bitter.

➜ Paraguayan mate often has a more pronounced and intense character. Among Paraguayan producers, you can find both classic yerba mate and interesting compositions with mint, lemon, guarana, and other herbal ingredients.

➜ Brazilian mate also has its own processing characteristics and flavor profile. In our catalog, you can find Brazilian variants, including mate with additional herbal ingredients.

If you are just starting to get acquainted with the drink, try several different variants.

Properties of mate tea

Yerba mate contains a natural caffeine called mateine, as well as polyphenols and other plant compounds. It is thanks to the mateine ​​content that the drink is appreciated by people looking for an alternative to coffee, black or green tea.

Therefore, mate tea can fit well into a morning ritual, a workday, studying or an active lifestyle.

Mate or coffee?

Coffee is usually brewed by steeping a single batch of beans, while traditional mate can be steeped in water multiple times in the same calabash. The process of drinking yerba mate therefore becomes a ritual.

Try yerba mate tea and compare the sensations and flavors for yourself.

How to brew mate tea correctly?

It is not necessary to use 100-degree water for mate.

Water of about 70–80 degrees is recommended - this way the taste of mate is revealed gradually and ceases to be excessively sharp.

If you do not have a calabash and bombilla yet, mate can be prepared in a more familiar way - in a cup, French press or teapot with a filter.

Buy mate tea at Healing Traditions

The Healing Traditions online store offers various types of South American yerba mate: classic mate and compositions with various herbal and aromatic components.

You can order mate tea with delivery in Ukraine directly in the catalog on the website.

Frequently asked questions about mate tea

➜ Is mate tea green tea?

No, green tea is made from Camellia sinensis, and yerba mate is made from the leaves of the Paraguayan holly (Ilex paraguariensis).

➜ How many times can you brew mate?

One serving of yerba mate is traditionally infused with water multiple times — as long as the drink retains its distinct flavor. You can infuse 5-8 times. Each subsequent time reveals more and more of the softness and aroma of mate.

➜ Does mate contain caffeine?

Mate contains mateine, another name for caffeine, which is found in the leaves of the Paraguayan holly.
The differences between mate and coffee are explained by the presence of theobromine (like in chocolate) and theophylline. These substances act on the nervous system differently than caffeine, creating a softer and longer-lasting feeling of vigor.
Thanks to these components, this combination makes the stimulation smoother and longer-lasting.

Read more about Mate Tea - its benefits, properties, how to brew and drink it correctly - in the Blog.