In a nutshell: Organic green Yerba Mate from Latin America, a herbaceous and invigorating herbal infusion. Brewing guide: 14 to 17 g/L, water at 100°C (212°F), 10 to 15 minutes. Perfect any time of day.
Yerba Mate, the gaucho's tea, the ritual drink of South America: behind its many names, green Yerba Mate is first and foremost a leaf like no other. Our organic loose-leaf version offers an unroasted plant, carefully dried to preserve its fresh, green character and aromatic depth.
A naturally stimulating plant derived from Ilex paraguariensis, it stands apart for its bold, herbaceous flavour and a gentle, sustained energy that is nothing like coffee. To learn more about this exceptional herbal infusion, visit our Mate guide.
The aromatic profile of green Yerba Mate
Our organic yerba brews into a beautiful golden-green infusion with a decidedly vegetal character. On the palate, the opening notes call to mind freshly cut grass and the green vitality of spring, with a brightness that awakens the senses.
The mid-palate reveals a subtle, slightly bitter woodiness, characteristic of unroasted leaf. The finish lingers on notes of hay and wild herbs, long and invigorating, drawing you back for another sip.
This aromatic quality comes from the leaf itself: harvested and dried without any contact with flame, it retains its chlorophyll and raw, natural character. Also explore our other references in our organic Mate selection to compare profiles.
How to brew green Yerba Mate
The classic preparation follows one simple rule: 14 to 17 grams of leaves per litre of water, brought to 100°C (212°F), steeped for 10 to 15 minutes. This method fully unlocks the plant's aromas and active compounds.
In a teapot or infuser: add the measured leaves, pour over near-boiling water, and steep covered. Strain and enjoy hot, plain or with a touch of honey.
In a traditional gourd (calabash): fill two-thirds with yerba, tilt the gourd, add warm then hot water along the side, and sip through a bombilla. The leaves can be re-steeped several times.
Cold brew (tereré): steep at room temperature for 2 hours, then strain. Ideal in summer as a refreshing, energising drink.
To explore the terroirs of South America, visit our green Mate origin guide, which details the harvesting traditions and know-how.
The benefits of green Yerba Mate
This plant has long been traditionally recognised for its stimulating properties. It naturally contains caffeine (sometimes referred to as mateine), which supports alertness and concentration, as assessed by the EFSA in its opinions on caffeine.
The drink is also rich in polyphenols and antioxidant compounds. Studies referenced on PubMed extensively document the composition of yerba, its saponin content and its nutritional interest.
Traditionally used across South America, the plant is also popular with athletes and those seeking a plant-based alternative to coffee. Guidelines on caffeinated drink consumption are provided by the ANSES. Try our organic green Mate and discover this natural, plant-based energy in your daily routine.
Storage
Store your yerba in an airtight container, away from light, moisture and strong odours. Packed in our workshop, the leaves will retain their fresh, vegetal character and properties for several months.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of green Yerba Mate?
Rich in natural caffeine and polyphenols, it is traditionally recognised for boosting alertness and providing antioxidant compounds. It is also popular with athletes as a plant-based alternative to coffee.
How do you brew green Yerba Mate?
Use 14 to 17 g of leaves per litre of water at 100°C (212°F) and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. The traditional gourd with a bombilla is the most authentic method, but a simple teapot works beautifully too.
Where does green Yerba Mate come from?
Mate comes from Ilex paraguariensis, a shrub that grows both wild and cultivated in South America. Our yerba is harvested from wild plantations in Latin America, using organic farming practices.
What are the effects of green Yerba Mate?
Its natural caffeine delivers a more gradual lift than coffee, without the jitteriness. The plant is also traditionally used to support everyday vitality.
Sources
Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, personally selects every lot in our range. Our information draws on scientific opinions from the EFSA and ANSES, as well as literature indexed by PubMed on yerba maté and caffeine.
