Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate are the dried leaves of the mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis), which form the basis for the South American infusion drink mate.

Brief definition of Mate:
A caffeinated herbal tea traditionally drunk in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The leaves are steeped with hot (approx. 70-80 degrees) water and usually drunk from a special gourd with a metal straw (bombilla).

Typical characteristics:

  • contains caffeine (stimulating like coffee or black tea)

  • tastes tart, slightly grassy-bitter

  • is often drunk communally in a circle

  • can be prepared hot or cold ("tereré")