Yerba Mate

Ilex paraguariensis

Brazil

Yerba Mate is enjoyed as a tea, in the traditional vessel or in tea bags. It has a bitter, yet refreshing flavour and is a well-balanced stimulant that provides energy and nutrition. The caffeine content of Yerba Mate varies between that of green tea and coffee. It can be prepared with milk, honey, lemon, mint, and many more delicious combinations.

Traditionally, it is drunk from an apple-sized, hollow gourd (called mate in Spanish), through a metal straw (bombilla), refilled, and passed along. It is made by filling the gourd ¾ full with the dried leaves and then covering it with water that is hot but not boiling. Sugar may be added if desired. Mate can also be prepared with cold water or lemonade (called tereré).

Brew 3-5 min. 

Enjoy with a bombilla-metal-tea-straw