Yerba Mate: the Complete Guide to South America's Drink
Yerba mate has become one of the most talked-about drinks of recent years, winning a growing following thanks to its many appreciated qualities. As a traditionally enjoyed plant, it is increasingly the focus of scientific research. Where does the mate plant come from, what does it do for your body, and how do you prepare it? We explore all of this below.
Yerba Mate: A Drink of Countless Virtues
Yerba mate is now enjoyed much like tea or coffee, prized for its energising properties and invigorating effect. But this South American drink has far more to offer, as you'll find in this complete guide. Its many benefits have made it a global phenomenon — it's even become the drink of choice for footballer Antoine Griezmann.
Drinking Yerba Mate Every Day
Enjoyed daily, yerba mate lets you experience its wide-ranging health benefits over time. Pure mate has quite a bitter taste, but you'll find plenty of flavoured blends on the market to soften the flavour. Like tea, it can be enjoyed hot or cold, at any time of day.
What is Yerba Mate?
What exactly is yerba mate? Argentinian mate is a drink that originates from South America. It is valued for its stimulating and beneficial properties, and is increasingly consumed as an alternative to tea and coffee, both in its region of origin and around the world. In terms of composition, mate is rich in antioxidants, caffeine, B vitamins, potassium and iron — and contains no calories, making it a light drink to enjoy at any time of day. The drink is made by infusing the leaves of a tree, much like brewing tea.
The History of Mate: Origins of the Argentinian Brew
Let's look at the history of mate. It was first discovered and used by the Guaraní people, who chewed the leaves during long journeys. Mate served as both a means of exchange and a symbol of sharing. It was later adopted by Spanish conquistadors, then by the Jesuits, who played a central role in developing its cultivation in Brazil before it eventually fell into decline. It was only at the dawn of the 20th century that this singular drink resurfaced in the form we know today. Research confirms that yerba mate cultivation is confined to its region of origin, spanning Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, where the tropical, humid climate supports the plant's growth. This nourishing, energising drink is also a vital source of income for local communities.
Why Drink Mate?
Mate is traditionally enjoyed for its stimulating character when consumed regularly, as part of a balanced lifestyle. Why drink mate? It helps fight physical and mental fatigue. Many enjoy it as a comforting drink during moments of stress and busy days. Naturally rich in antioxidants, mate fits easily into an everyday wellbeing routine. Gently diuretic, its infusion pairs pleasantly with meals. Many athletes adopt it as a drink for active days, for its hydrating and invigorating side. Finally, during pregnancy: as mate contains caffeine, we recommend seeking your doctor's advice and limiting consumption. This information is provided for guidance only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
When Should You Drink Yerba Mate?
Yerba mate offers many benefits, but do you know the best time to enjoy it? Drinking it in the morning is a great alternative to coffee, with a stimulating, energising effect that can carry you through the day — without the overstimulation that coffee sometimes brings. A morning cup also fits naturally into a balanced breakfast. In the evening, mate can be soothing and comforting, a gentle moment of relaxation to unwind at the end of the day. It's generally recommended not to exceed two cups per day. As for where to find mate: look in a herbalist's shop, a health food store, or a specialist tea shop.
What Are the Benefits of Yerba Mate?
Among the benefits of yerba mate, it is particularly valued for accompanying moments of passing fatigue and stimulating body and mind. Yerba mate is also a drink of choice within a balanced diet: naturally calorie-free, it can be enjoyed throughout the day. Gently diuretic, it is a thirst-quenching alternative for those who drink little water, helping to support good hydration.
Mate and Green Mate: What's the Difference?
Several varieties of mate are available today. The main distinction between mate and green mate lies in their colour. Organic mate is produced through certified organic farming. As for taste, bitter mate isn't to everyone's liking — which is why there are now many flavoured versions, such as ginger-lemon or mint mate, for a more pleasant cup.
Tea, Mate or Matcha: Which to Choose for an Energy Boost?
Yerba mate is increasingly seen as a natural alternative to classic drinks like tea, coffee and matcha. How do you choose? Mate or matcha, mate or coffee, mate or tea, or a mate latte? All of these drinks can give you the energy to get through the day without fatigue. Coffee delivers a quick energy boost when you need it, but can sometimes over-stimulate. Matcha is an energising drink rich in vitamins and minerals, and is naturally rich in catechins, plant-based antioxidants. Tea provides steady energy thanks to its theine content. Yerba mate, on the other hand, means a gentle awakening when taken in the morning, while also supporting focus throughout the day. To avoid overstimulation, it's best to stick to no more than two cups a day.
Mate or Green Tea: How Do They Compare?
Yerba mate infusion and green tea are two drinks that are often compared, and for good reason: there are real similarities between mate and green tea. Both are natural drinks appreciated within a balanced diet. Cold mate is enjoyed iced — refreshing, light and naturally calorie-free. Feel free to alternate green tea and mate throughout the day, according to your mood and the moment.
How to Prepare Mate
What is the ideal way to prepare mate? There's not just one method: there's the traditional preparation and several alternative versions, such as tereré or mate cocido. The traditional preparation involves placing mate leaves into a container called a gourd (calabash), then filtering and drinking through a bombilla. The key step is to first add a few drops of cold water to moisten the leaves, then pour in hot water before drinking.
The Bombilla and Calabash
The bombilla is an essential accessory for preparing traditional mate, alongside the calabash. It is a metal straw fitted with a filter that allows the drink to infuse properly. The calabash is the traditional vessel, today available in various materials including wood and ceramic. With these tools, you're ready to share a unique moment and enjoy all the benefits and active compounds that mate has to offer. Remember to clean them regularly.
Explore our range of organic mate loose-leaf: green mate, traditional mate, fruity blends (orange, pomegranate, mango-guava). Certified organic farming, delivery across mainland France.
