Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis), “The Drink of the Gods,” is the name for the healthy herbal drink that the Guarani Indians from the highlands in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina have consumed for centuries. It’s nutritional profile reveals why it has been used through the years to cure a variety of ailments. This tea-like beverage naturally contains numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. It is used as an anti-depressant, and to relieve headaches, allergy symptoms, and pain. Yerba maté induces mental clarity and aids in weight control. Yerba maté does contain caffeine, although it is believed that its effects are less pronounced than the caffeine in coffee. Those who consume it have reported increased energy levels and mental focus, without the jittery feeling often associated with coffee. There are beneficial levels of anti-oxidants in yerba maté, making it ideal for fighting free radicals that can be associated with a variety of ailments. All in all, yerba maté delivers both energy and nutrition.
Yerba maté, translated literally from Spanish, means ‘maté herb.’ It gets its name from the cup traditionally used to drink the infusion. The cup, also called ‘mate,’ was originally made from a dried and decorated gourd. Today, they are now made out of a variety of materials. A bombilla, or straw with filter, is used to sip the brewed mate from the cup. The traditional gourd ceremony is still practiced today in South America.
Yerba maté is prepared for by drying the leaves (and sometimes the stem) of a small evergreen shrub. TheYerba maté can be prepared in several ways. Loose mate can be brewed like tea, by adding hot, not boiling, water to the leaves, then filtering the leaves after infusing. It can also be placed in a French press and prepared like coffee. Bagged yerba maté can be prepared the same way bagged tea is prepared.
The flavor of maté doesn’t become bitter or astringent when steeped for extended periods of time. And, the leaves can be infused several times. Sugar or other herbs such as mint can be added. Yerba maté is also delicious when prepared as an iced tea.
Prepared yerba maté produces an earthy, vegetal and grassy flavor that is reminiscent of green tea. Many matés have a smoked flavor because the leaves are dried over wood fires. Packaged yerba maté can be found slightly sweetened or accented with other flavors. It is available in a variety of ways include loose, bagged and bottled for the ultimate in healthy, to-go convenience.
