Discover the deep and satisfying taste of this organic yerba mate, featuring authentic, aged, and rich organic flavor. Specially aged for 24 months and smoked to perfection, this yerba mate is exclusively produced in Paraguay, offering a unique and authentic South American experience.
This yerba mate boasts a large leaf cut with stems and no added dust, delivering a smooth, rich, and long-lasting flavor. The traditional two-step process used to create this distinct taste begins with the sapecado, where freshly harvested leaves and stems are exposed to hot air and smoke from a wood fire. This step effectively blanches the yerba mate, removing any harmful bacteria and achieving the desired moisture level. The second step involves a further drying process at lower temperatures, during which additional smoke is added to create the signature smoked flavor of this yerba mate.
Yerba mate holds a special place in Paraguayan culture, where it has been enjoyed for centuries and is deeply rooted in the country's traditions. Paraguayans typically drink mate either hot or cold, with the cold version, known as "tereré," being the most popular due to the country's warm climate. Tereré is prepared by steeping yerba mate in cold water, often flavored with herbs like mint and lemongrass, and is enjoyed throughout the day as a refreshing and invigorating social beverage. Mate and tereré are not only consumed for their unique flavor and stimulating effects but also for their numerous health benefits, as yerba mate is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. In Paraguay, sharing yerba mate is a symbol of friendship and hospitality, and the traditional mate drinking ceremony is a time for socializing, bonding, and appreciating the rich flavors and history of this cherished beverage.
Show Sources
- Heck, C. I., & de Mejia, E. G. (2007). Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations. Journal of Food Science, 72(9), R138-R151. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00535.x
- Bracesco, N., Dell, M., Rocha, A., Behtash, S., Menini, T., Gugliucci, A., & Nunes, E. (2011). Antioxidant activity of a botanical extract preparation of Ilex paraguariensis: Prevention of DNA double-strand breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and human low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(6), 555-562. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2010.0578
Bring filtered or spring water to 180°F. Add 1 tsp of tea leaves to an 8oz cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep 4 minutes.
Mate is traditionally prepared in a hollowed calabash gourd known as a mate or guampa, which serves as both a brewing vessel and a cup.
To prepare the mate, fill the gourd anywhere from half to two-thirds full with the yerba mate leaves. Pour hot water, ideally between 160°F and 180°F, over the leaves. Next, insert straw called a bombilla, which is equipped with a built-in strainer at the tip, into the gourd. Sip the brewed mate through the bombilla, savoring its rich flavor and aroma.
Once you have finished the infusion, the mate can be re-brewed multiple times, often up to 10 times or more, allowing you to enjoy the full range of flavors and benefits that yerba mate has to offer.
Ingredients:
Origin:
Paraguay