If you were asking yourself what Yerba Mate is, then this is the perfect spot to find out all about it. Yerba Mate is a tonic infusion drink that people prepare from the leaves of a South American native plant by the same name. This tea beverage is rich in antioxidants and caffeine, which make it a sustainable alternative to coffee, black tea, and other energy drinks.

People all over the world enjoy Yerba Mate on a daily basis. It is easy to prepare and has minimal adverse side effects, which make it a commodity for most consumers. Its powerful health benefits recommend it as a natural promoter of your well-being. Read on to find out more about the plant, the tea, and the habits that come with them, and which enjoy worldwide popularity!

A Brief History Of Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate comes from the southern and central regions in South America, where it used to grow like a wild plant before the European colonization. Ancient native tribes like the Guarani used to infuse its leaves in water and drink it moderately.

The Spanish colonizers took a liking to the tonic infusion as soon as they occupied the regions of today’s Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Their early biologists were also the first to domesticize the plant in the 17th century and spread its cultivation in the neighboring countries of Bolivia, Chile, and Peru.

By the 20th century, Yerba Mate plantations were present in most regions of South and Central America. Brazil quickly became one of the largest producers and exporters in the world, and it now accounts for 53% of the global production. On this list, Argentina contributes 37% and Paraguay with 10% of all the Yerba Mate available in worldwide trade.

Where Does The Name Yerba Mate Come From?

Yerba Mate is a composition of Spanish words. Yerba means “herb”, and “mate” signifies the gourd-like vessel from which you usually drink the tea. It is crucial that you write it and pronounce mate with a strong accent on the first syllable. Otherwise, you may create confusion with the word “mate”, which is Spanish for “kill.”

The Guarani people call this herb and the resulting infusion “ka’a”, which translates as “what keeps us alive,” denoting once again the energy impulse that you get from consuming this drink.
Nowadays, you may find Yerba Mate in most countries by its world-renowned name. Only in Brazil, you may encounter it on bar menus or in supermarkets as erva-mate, and available in two versions chimarrão (hot), and tereré (cold).

What Does It Taste Like?

Yerba Mate tea has a strong herbal flavor that resembles green tea and a mix of green vegetables. If you infuse it in warm or boiled water, as most consumers do, the resulting drink will have a bitter taste, and significantly stronger than if you mix it with cold water. Some people like to add sugar, honey, stevia or cinnamon to diversify and ease its bold savor.

How Do You Prepare The Yerba Mate Tea?

Preparing Yerba Mate tea is easy even for new consumers. The simplest way of infusing the dry leaves of this plant is to treat it like any other tea available on the market. Here are a few steps that will help you make your first ever Yerba Mate drink:

1. Get a gourd-like cup especially made for Yerba Mate, and bombilla, which is a straw essential to the drinking ritual. They are usually made of metal, ceramic or wood. You can find them in coffee shops or retail stores that sell import goods from South America.
2. Clean the gourd and wash it a few times to get rid of any contaminating agents. If it is the first time using the bombilla, you should leave it to dry naturally for a couple of days.
3. Fill half of the gourd with Yerba Mate leaves. Tilt it sideways and shake thoroughly a few times while holding your hand on its open end. This will prevent the smaller, powdery leaves from staying on the bottom of the gourd.
4. Place the bombilla in the gourd and keep it near one of its walls in a vertical position.
5. Add a bit of cold water, and refrain from stirring the mixture, as to avoid any leaves from entering the bombilla.
6. Pour hot water, but not at boiling temperature, to top the leaves off.
7. Drink from the bombilla without changing its position in the gourd.
8. Refill with hot water every time you finish the infusion. The same leaves can sustain several refills during one drinking session.
9. Clean the gourd after using it to have it ready for the next time you prepare Yerba Mate.

It is a well-known custom of South Americans to fill one gourd with delicious Mate and share it with their friends and family. It is a social ritual that shows trust, care, and good understanding.

If you ever travel to that part of the world and you get an invitation to join the group, you should feel honored and privileged. Even if you don’t like the taste of Yerba Mate, you should at least take a sip to show recognition and friendship.

Some consumers enjoy carrying a gourd full of mate leaves wherever they go. An additional thermos with hot water helps them refill the drink and enjoy an energy boost at any time of the day.

Why You Should Drink Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate contains numerous nutrients and antioxidants that promote and sustain good health. In its composition, you will find polyphenols, xanthines like caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which are essential for supporting your energy levels and strengthening your immune system.

A gourd of fresh Yerba Mate also provides you with a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. Every sip you take contains potassium, magnesium, and manganese among other essential chemicals for your well-being.

Long-term consumption of Yerba Mate does not have any negative consequences on your health. On the contrary, it can promote weight loss, improve your resistance to illnesses and reduce the risks of cancer and arteriosclerosis.