Yerba Maté

Journey into the realm of ancient traditions, where the mystical herb known as maté unveils its secrets. Also referred to as Paraguay tea and yerba maté, this extraordinary elixir is crafted from the lush leaves of the Illex paraguayensis, a revered evergreen shrub native to South America, akin to the noble holly.

Behold the graceful foliage, oval in shape, stretching up to six inches in length. Delicate white flowers adorn this botanical marvel, while clusters of crimson berries nestle closely to its stems. Like its companions guarana and yopo, maté is bestowed with the gift of caffeine, captivating the senses and serving as a cherished source of stimulation for the indigenous peoples of Latin America, long before the arrival of European colonists and their coffee plantations.

For centuries, yerba maté has been hailed as "The drink of the gods" by the various cultures of South America, who brewed its leaves with reverence. However, it was the Jesuit missionaries, following a different faith, who introduced the first commercial yerba maté plantations to the New World in the mid 1600’s.

The journey of maté leaves mirrors that of their tea counterparts. Just before reaching full growth, the tender tips of the branches are carefully harvested, and the leaves undergo a process of steaming and drying. Fired maté leaves are lovingly dried over gentle fires, infusing them with a unique essence. Through sifting and aging, the leaves mature, enhancing the exquisite flavor of this revered beverage.

As you savor each sip of maté, you immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of culture and heritage. The caffeine within mirrors the gentle potency of mild Arabica coffee, inviting a gentle awakening of the senses. Let the spirit of yerba maté guide you on a voyage through time, where ancient traditions and the wonders of nature converge to offer a truly transcendent experience.