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Organic Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis)


Botanical Name: Ilex paraguariensis
Certified Organic
Country of Origin: Brazil
Production: Yerba Mate belongs to the Aquifoliaceae family, which is originally from the subtropical regions of South America, but is also present in the southern region of Brazil, and in the northern regions of Argentina and Paraguay. Our mate is grown in Brazil, in the wild among the local plants and animals, and is harvested every 2 years in alternating patches, so as to ensure a well developed plant and nutritional profile, with the intention of preserving the sustainability of the area. It was first consumed by the indigenous Guaraní and Quechua people who drank tea made from the leaves. In present-day South America (particularly Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, and southern Brazil), yerba mate continues to be a widely consumed staple and is a celebrated part of everyday culture.
Qualities: Mate has been claimed to have many positive effects on human health. In some cases it has been shown to be useful as a weight loss tool, to improve the mood, and increase mental energy and focus.
Common Use:  Mate is most commonly prepared as a tea. Traditionally, it is drunk from an apple-sized, hollow gourd (called mate in Spanish), through a metal straw (bombilla), refilled, and passed along. It is made by filling the gourd ¾ full with the dried leaves and then covering it with water that is hot but not boiling. Sugar may be added if desired. Mate can also be prepared with cold water or lemonade (called tereré).
Internationally, mate is enjoyed as a tea, in the traditional vessel or in tea bags. It has a bitter, yet refreshing flavor and is a well-balanced stimulant that provides energy and nutrition. The caffeine content of yerba mate varies between that of green tea and coffee. It can be prepared with milk, honey, lemon, mint, and many more delicious combinations.
Storage: Store sealed in a cool, dark, dry place.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the CFIA or FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This product has been packaged in the same facility as peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and other potential allergens.

$3.09

What is Organic Yerba Mate? (Ilex paraguariensis)

Our organic yerba maté is organically grown, fair trade certified by IMO, and produces a light green beverage, with a refreshingly bold flavor. Yerba maté is the dried leaves and stems of a South American rainforest holly and is the national beverage of Paraguay. The term mate is a Guarani Indian word for gourd, referring to the hollowed out gourds once used to hold the tea.

In traditional use of yerba maté, the tea cup is often shared among close friends and family, all of whom use the same straw, or bombilla. Sharing the same straw is considered a sign of total acceptance and friendship. Yerba maté is one of the world’s most effective and healing beverages with over 196 active compounds which shadows the active compounds found in Green tea (Camellia sinensis) which has about 144. This tea is untreated and contains no filler or flavoring agents, just pure organic yerba maté leaves.

Contains caffeine.

Aroma and Flavor
An aroma of freshly cut grass with powerful green depth. The flavor is full-bodied, green, and satisfying.

Brewing Suggestions

Traditional

The first rule of brewing traditional maté is to never pour boiling or very hot water over dry leaves, this will cause the tannins to extract too quickly resulting in a bitter tasting tea. The ideal temperature of the water should be 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit. Maté brews more slowly than conventional tea or coffee which extends its flavor, the same tea leaves can be used many times and with each addition of water the taste will be slightly different.

In South America yerba maté is brewed with a maté (cup) and a bombilla (filtered straw), the leaves are placed in the bottom and a small amount of cold water is added to stimulate the leaves, this helps preserve the integrity of the tea. Then warm water is added to brew the first cup, this will be the strongest cup of the day and contain the most caffeine. For all succeeding cups warm or cold water can be used as the flavor lightens and sweetens.

Conventional

Fill 1 tablespoon of tea in a cloth tea bag or mesh basket and place in your favorite mug. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the tea and allow to steep for 3-5 minutes or until desired strength is reached.

French Press

A convenient way to brew a larger amount in quick time, perfect for those weekend mornings. The recommended ratio is about 1 tablespoon yerba maté to 12 ounces water, dampen the leaves with cool or lukewarm water and allow to sit for a few minutes. Then top off with warm water and wait for the leaves to float to the top, do not stir. Stirring causes the dust of the yerba to clog the French press. These leaves can be used multiple times to achieve similar flavor variations.

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Weight

1 oz.

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