Yerba Mate is a plant native to South America, where these herbal infusions are widely consumed. Traditionally enjoyed from a gourd through a filtering straw, mate has long been used as a medicinal plant for its many associated properties and health benefits. But did you know there are different varieties of yerba mate? Alongside the traditional version, you'll also find flavoured and organic options. Green mate gets its name from its distinctive colour. It's often mistaken for green tea, but the two are quite different in composition. Let's take a closer look at the different forms of mate and clear up any confusion between green tea, organic tea, and mate.
Mate vs green mate: the different varieties
When talking about this distinctive drink, the terms mate and green mate often come up together. Their most obvious difference is colour, but there are other distinctions worth knowing. Classic mate comes from the leaves of the yerba mate tree, which are dried, ground, and then left to mature for around a year. Yerba mate is a natural stimulant that acts as a tonic for body and mind. It's particularly valued as a remedy against physical and mental fatigue. Green mate, for its part, is associated with supporting cardiovascular health and healthy blood pressure. It's also a rich source of minerals, and its diuretic properties help the body eliminate toxins, making it a popular wellness companion. Flavoured mate was created to temper the naturally bitter taste of the drink. Today you'll find versions with pleasing flavours such as red fruits, mint, lemon, or citrus. Finally, organic mate is distinguished by being made from hand-sorted leaves grown using certified organic farming methods.
Mate and green mate: what exactly are they?
Green mate originates from the regions of South America: Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, and parts of Brazil. The drink known as mate comes from the leaves of a tree. Green mate, named for its distinctive colour, contains caffeine and polyphenols. It can be enjoyed just like a cup of tea. In terms of nutritional profile, green mate is rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, and iron, and is calorie-free. Brazilian green mate is often used as a detox drink and weight-management aid, as it supports digestion and helps the body eliminate waste naturally.
Green mate and green tea: how to tell them apart
Green tea and green mate share a few things in common, but they are not the same drink. To start with, mate and tea come from entirely different plants. Tea comes from Camellia sinensis, while mate comes from a broad-leaved tree in the holly family. Mate leaves are rich in mateine, a molecule similar to theine and caffeine. That said, the caffeine levels differ between the two: mate generally contains a higher concentration than tea. In terms of flavour, tea offers a wider range depending on variety and origin, while mate tends to taste closer to a herbal infusion with a lightly bitter edge. Both are natural allies for digestion and gut health. One last difference: preparation. In most cases, tea is steeped in hot water, while mate is drunk from a gourd and filtered directly through a bombilla, a metal straw.
Where to find green mate
Mate and green mate are scientifically recognised for their therapeutic properties and beneficial effects on health and wellbeing. You can find them in health food stores, herbalists, and specialist tea retailers. There you'll discover a range of mate varieties to suit your tastes and needs.
Explore our range of loose-leaf organic mate: green mate, traditional mate, and fruity blends (orange, pomegranate, mango-guava). Certified organic, delivered across mainland France.
