Yerba mate: different types and how to choose

Yerba mate is a drink with a rich history and distinctive qualities that is growing in popularity around the world. This comprehensive guide explores yerba mate, from its origins and different types to how to prepare it and its health and flavour properties. Read on!

What is yerba mate?

Yerba mate is a drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant, Ilex paraguariensis, which is native to South America. It is a traditional drink in countries such as Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. Yerba mate contains many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, xanthines and saponins, which have a beneficial effect on the body.

The origins of yerba mate

The origins of yerba mate date back to pre-colonial times, when indigenous people in South America drank it for ritual, medicinal and social reasons. Yerba mate production involves harvesting the leaves, drying and grinding them, then ageing them. Depending on its country of origin and production method, yerba mate can vary in flavour, aroma and properties.

Yerba mate and its history in South America

The yerba mate plant grows in the tropical border region between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. It also grows wild in Uruguay, although yerba mate is not produced there for economic reasons; the dried leaves are imported from Brazil instead. The Guarani people, who lived in the region, were the first to discover the plant's properties. Hundreds of years ago, they noticed that after eating the raw leaves of a plant they had not known before, they had more energy, greater concentration and sharper senses, and no longer felt hungry. They made an energising, nutrient-rich infusion from the leaves. Drinking yerba mate was a ritual, and the plant was treated with exceptional care. It became an important part of their everyday life and rich culture.

Types of yerba mate: elaborada, despalada, sin palo and con palo

There are different types of yerba mate, which vary in their leaf and twig content and how finely they are ground. Yerba mate elaborada is the most traditional version, containing both leaves and twigs. Yerba mate sin palo (despalada, without twigs) has a higher leaf content and fewer twigs, resulting in a more intense flavour and more nutrients. By contrast, yerba mate con palo (with twigs) contains more twigs, giving the drink a milder flavour and lower stimulant content. The right type of yerba mate depends on your taste preferences and what you want from the drink.

How to prepare yerba mate, step by step

Preparing yerba mate involves following a few guidelines and having the right accessories. In this section, we explain how to prepare yerba mate, how to make the drink and which accessories you need.

How to prepare yerba mate: a beginner's guide

To prepare yerba mate, follow these steps:

1. Fill a vessel (such as a calabash gourd or Palo Santo cup) with dried yerba mate leaves – approx. 20 – 30 g.
2. Tilt the vessel and shake it gently so the finer pieces move to the bottom and the larger pieces stay at the top.
3. Place a bombilla (a metal straw with a filter) in the vessel, pressing it against the side.
4. Pour a little cold water into the vessel to moisten the leaves and allow them to “open up”.
5. After a few minutes, pour hot but not boiling water (about 80°C) into the vessel, filling it to 3/4 of its capacity.
6. Wait a moment for the drink to cool to a suitable temperature, then sip it through the bombilla.

It is important to follow the yerba mate preparation instructions, as this affects the flavour and properties of the drink.

Hot and cold yerba mate (tereré)

Yerba mate can be prepared in two ways: hot (the traditional method) or cold (tereré, a cold preparation). Hot yerba mate is made with hot water, which extracts more nutrients and stimulating compounds. Cold yerba mate (tereré), on the other hand, is made with cold water or fruit juice, with fresh herbs and fruit added for a refreshing flavour that is perfect for hot days. The method you choose depends on your personal preference and the weather.

Yerba mate accessories: mate cup, bombilla and flask

You need the right yerba mate accessories to prepare the drink, including:

• Bombilla – a metal straw with a filter, used to drink yerba mate. The filter stops small pieces of dried leaves from getting into your mouth.
• Mate cup – a vessel for preparing yerba mate, made from wood, a calabash gourd, ceramic or metal. Traditional vessels are made from calabash and decorated with leather or metal details.
• Flask – a container for hot water that helps keep it at the right temperature while you prepare yerba mate.

Having these accessories makes preparing yerba mate easier and helps the drink taste better and have the right properties.

The properties and effects of yerba mate

The properties and effects of yerba mate are widely appreciated by fans of this drink. Yerba mate can affect health and wellbeing, helping it to grow in popularity around the world.

Benefits of drinking yerba mate: focus, energy and exercise

Yerba mate offers many benefits for both the mind and the body. Its effects on the mind include improved concentration, greater alertness and stimulation. Thanks to its caffeine content, it also acts as a mild stimulant and can be a substitute for coffee. Yerba mate and exercise are also a great combination, as the drink increases physical performance, speeds up muscle recovery and supports fat burning.

Health properties of yerba mate: caffeine, antioxidants and more

The health properties of yerba mate are linked to its nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. The effects of caffeine in yerba mate include stimulating the nervous system, increasing concentration and alertness, and improving mood. Yerba mate is also rich in antioxidants, which neutralise free radicals and support the immune system. As a result, the drink may help reduce the risk of various conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Is yerba mate for everyone? Yerba mate during pregnancy and for beginners

Although yerba mate offers many health benefits, is it for everyone? Remember that it contains caffeine, which can cause unwanted side effects in people who are sensitive to it. People with high blood pressure, heart conditions or sleep disorders should therefore be cautious when drinking yerba mate. Yerba mate during pregnancy is also not recommended, as caffeine may affect foetal development. If you are just starting out, it is best to try yerba mate for beginners in smaller amounts and see how your body responds. As your body gets used to it, you can gradually increase the amount you drink.

Yerba mate flavour: which yerba mate should you choose?

The flavour and health benefits of yerba mate are two reasons why more and more people are drawn to this unusual drink. The flavour varies between types, and its health properties are widely appreciated.

Brazilian, Argentine and Paraguayan yerba mate: differences in flavour

The flavour of the finest yerba mate depends on its country of origin and how the leaves are dried. Brazilian green yerba mate has a delicate, herbal flavour with a hint of sweetness. Paraguayan yerba mate, by contrast, has a more intense flavour, with a pronounced bitterness and smoky aroma. Argentine yerba mate has a milder flavour, with a delicate bitterness and herbal aroma. The right type for you depends on your personal taste.

Flavoured and fruit yerba mate

Fruit-flavoured yerba mate is a great choice if you want to discover yerba mate flavour with a twist. There are various flavours available, including citrus, mint, strawberry and tropical fruit. Flavoured yerba mate combines the classic taste of yerba with extra flavour notes, making it even more appealing to beginners.

Potential downsides of yerba mate: is it addictive?

Although yerba mate has many health benefits, it is also worth considering its potential downsides. One possible concern is addiction. Yerba mate can be addictive mainly because of its caffeine content, which may lead to psychological and physical dependence. It is therefore worth drinking yerba mate in moderation, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine. Bear in mind, too, that drinking too much yerba mate may cause unwanted side effects such as insomnia, headaches or high blood pressure.

Where to buy yerba mate

If you are wondering where to buy yerba mate, consider a few factors, such as product quality, the range of varieties available and price. Recommended places include both online and physical shops. In either case, it is worth checking other customers' reviews and the shop's range.

Online yerba mate shop: what should you choose?

When looking for online yerba mate shops, consider choosing one that specialises in the category. These shops usually offer a wide selection of products. Our MateMundo online yerba mate shop, for example, lets you buy everything you need to prepare yerba mate. The benefits of shopping online include convenience, a choice of different brands and varieties, and often lower prices than in physical shops.

Yerba mate shops: where to look in Poland

If you prefer shopping at a physical yerba mate shop, look for one with a wide selection of products. In larger cities such as Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław, you will find specialist yerba mate shops. Yerba mate is growing in popularity in Poland, so more and more shops stock it. It is also worth checking health food shops and delicatessens, which often carry yerba mate.

Yerba mate starter kit: what should it include?

If you are just starting out with yerba mate, it is worth investing in a yerba mate starter kit. It should include everything you need to prepare the drink:

• yerba mate (ideally a few different varieties so you can try different flavours)
• a mate cup (a vessel for preparing yerba mate, for example, made from calabash, ceramic or wood)
• a bombilla (a metal straw with a filter for drinking yerba mate)
• a flask or kettle for heating water

You can buy a yerba mate starter kit online or in a physical shop. Check the quality of the products and the price of the set to make a purchase you will be happy with.

Yerba mate: everything you need to get started

This guide has covered yerba mate in detail, including its origins, composition, types, preparation, properties, flavour and where to buy it. Yerba mate is a drink with a rich history and many health benefits, and it is growing in popularity in Poland too.

Preparing yerba mate requires the right accessories, such as a mate cup, bombilla or flask, as well as knowing how to prepare it hot or cold. It is worth experimenting with different types of yerba mate, such as elaborada and despalada, sin palo or con palo, and trying flavoured versions to find your favourite.

Yerba mate has many health properties, including stimulating the mind, supporting physical exercise, antioxidant effects and an impact on the immune system. However, it is worth remembering that it is not a drink for everyone, particularly for people who are pregnant or just starting out, who may experience unwanted effects from drinking yerba mate.

If you want to try yerba mate, consider starting with a starter kit that contains everything you need to prepare it. You can buy yerba mate online or in physical shops, and its growing popularity means more and more places are stocking it.