Did you ever hear about it? Yerba maté is a plant native to Southern Brazil, northern Argentina and Paraguay. An infusion similar to tea can be prepared with its leaves. You could drink it as tea, or as the local people of South America drink it.
Yerba Maté leaves contain powerful antioxidants, some go as far as to say that they also contain anti-cancer properties as well. Yerba Maté is a popular drink in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and part of Brazil.
You may be able to find Yerba Maté at your local Trader Joe´s. I have seen it packed in individual tea packets. This is one of the ways in which maté can be consumed and which requires the least amount of effort.
Real Maté followers will prepare the drink this way:
- Obtain the real yerba maté (it contains leaves and stems). It is not individually packed in tea bags.
- Get a maté (container). The real maté is similar to a cup, where the yerba maté will be placed.
- You need a bombilla. A bombilla is a straw with a filter attached.
- You place the bombilla in the container, add the yerba maté. Add very hot water (make sure it is not boiling), and enjoy!
Yerba Maté has a very strong flavor, and can be bitter especially for those who are used to sugar. It is important to note that yerba maté contains as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Avoid drinking it at bed time!
The benefits of yerba maté are many:
- It aids the digestive process (especially after a big meal).
- it is so strong that it helps you gain a clear mind.
- it gives you energy almost instantly, without the jittery of coffee.
Yerba Maté also comes in different flavors, but you can add these yourself. Some of the most popular flavors are:
- orange
- lemon
- mint
The photograph above by: Jaxxon. CCL.
The photograph below by: Anoxlou. CCL.
The following kit contains everything you need to start drinking maté including the yerba maté, the gourd, and the bombilla:
