Description
About yerba mate
Yerba mate is a species of holly native to the subtropical forests of Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil. Its leaves are dried and cut, and they naturally contain caffeine.
How it is used
Yerba mate is steeped in hot water to make mate, a drink traditionally shared from a gourd through a metal straw. It can also be brewed like loose tea or served cold as terere.
Common questions
How do I brew yerba mate?
Traditionally, fill a gourd about two-thirds with mate, add hot (not boiling) water at around 75 °C, and sip through a filtered straw. You can also brew it like loose-leaf tea.
Does yerba mate contain caffeine?
Yes. A cup contains caffeine at a level roughly between tea and coffee.
What is terere?
Terere is yerba mate prepared with cold water, popular in Paraguay and in hot weather.
Craft projects with yerba mate
Besides its use as a drink, yerba mate is a recognised dye plant.
- Natural dye: dyers use about twice the weight of the fibre, so 200 g of yerba mate for 100 g of wool or cotton. It tends to give green-yellow tones. Mordant the fibre first and add plenty of water, because the leaf absorbs a lot.
- Bath tea bags: 3 to 4 tablespoons per muslin bag.
- Soap: about 1 teaspoon of the powder per pound of oils or soap base for a green-brown speckle.
- Infused oil: 1 part shredded leaf to 5 parts oil.
The project planner gives the amounts and steps for each of these.
Storage
Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Please note
This is a dried botanical product. We make no health claims about it, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, speak to a qualified professional before using any herb.
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