Yerba Mate

When you first enter the world of yerba mate, you may be overwhelmed by the amount of green leaves. Bags full of green leaves, some dustier than others, some with twigs, some without. “Isn’t it just yerba mate?” you might think. But just like coffee beans or tea leaves, there’s a world of difference in how yerba mate is processed and ground – the molienda – and this has a huge impact on the taste, the strength and even how you prepare it. Con Palo vs. Sin Palo: The Battle of the Twigs One of the first distinctions you will encounter is the difference between yerba mate con palo (with twigs) and sin palo or despalada (without twigs). Con Palo: This variant, popular in Argentina, contains small pieces of the stems (twigs) of the yerba mate plant in addition to the ground leaves. The twigs add a certain mildness and a slightly sweet, woody undertone. The result is often a rounder, smoother mate that is easier to drink for beginners and less likely to get clogged in your bombilla. For example, the yerba mate from the brands CBSé , Playadito and Taragui are 'Con Palo' (with the exception of the sin palo variants of course) Sin Palo / Despalada: This removes most of the stems, leaving a product that is mostly pure leaf fragments and some dust. This results in a more intense, often more bitter and powerful flavour. Lovers of a strong, robust mate often prefer this. This style is more common in Uruguay and parts of Brazil, and can be found for example in the Canarias brand, or the ' Playadito Despalada ' The Fineness of the Grind: From Coarse to Dusty In addition to the presence or absence of twigs, the actual fineness of the grind also plays an important role: Coarsely ground (Molienda Gruesa): This grade has larger leaf pieces and less dust. This produces a clearer infusion and is often easier to prepare without clogging the bombilla. Finely ground (Molienda Fina): Here the leaves are ground finer. This allows for a faster and more intense extraction of flavors and caffeine, and also results in a more bitter taste. Chimarrão/Uruguayan Type: Extremely fine, almost powdery, with a bright green color. This is typical of the Brazilian chimarrão and some Uruguayan mates. These require a specific preparation method and a bombilla with a very fine filter (a "spoon bombilla" or "bomba") to avoid a mouthful of dust. The taste is often grassier and fresher. Experiment and Discover! The best way to discover the differences is to taste them. Maybe start with an Argentinian con palo ( Taragui , CBSé , Playadito ) for an accessible experience, then move on to a more powerful sin palo ( Canarias ) or a Brazilian chimarrão ( Barao ) if you’re feeling adventurous. Pay attention to the differences in aroma, flavor intensity, bitterness, and how the mate behaves in your gourd. The world of moliendas in yerba mate is a fascinating aspect that shows how much craftsmanship and tradition is hidden behind this simple green leaf. It is an invitation to discover!

Think there's mould in your natural gourd? Don't throw it away immediately! With a little effort, you can simply use the gourd again. First, it is important to be sure that it is mould. It is quite normal for black/green spots to appear in the gourd, left behind by the yerba. You cannot really remove these stains, but they are not bad at all. The difference with mould is that mould is usually white, fluffy and easy to scrape away. You can see the difference in these photos  Not mould Mould   Even if it does have mould, the gourd is still salvageable. Here is what you can do to remove the mould: Fill the gourd completely with boiling water. Let the water sit in the gourd for about 20 minutes Pour out the water, and thoroughly scrape the entire surface of the gourd with a spoon so that all the mould is completely gone.   Fill the gourd with hot water again, and leave for another 20-30 minutes.   Dry the gourd well, for example with kitchen paper, and leave it to dry in a well-ventilated place for at least 2 days. When the gourd is completely dry, you can simply use it again. Make sure you store the gourd dry every time after use, to keep it clean in the future.

The Craft of Yerba Mate: From Picking to Enjoying Yerba mate, a South American infusion with a rich history, is loved not only for its invigorating properties, but also for the careful production process it goes through. Let's take a look into the fascinating world of yerba mate and discover how this delicious drink is made, with a special focus on two methods of leaf drying. Harvesting the Leaves The process begins with carefully picking the young leaves of the yerba mate plant, a type of holly-like shrub. The pickers, often experienced farmers, select the best leaves by hand. It is essential to harvest only the young leaves as they have the most desirable taste and aroma. This artisanal aspect of picking contributes to the authenticity of yerba mate and ensures that only the highest quality leaves are used. Drying the Leaves Drying the yerba mate leaves is a crucial stage in the production process, and there are several methods to achieve this. Two common techniques are: Air dry This traditional method involves spreading the leaves in the open air to dry. This process can take several days or even weeks, depending on weather conditions. Air drying preserves the natural flavor and aroma of the yerba mate, making it a favorite choice for lovers of authentic, unprocessed flavors. Smoke drying In this method, the leaves are dried over open fires or smoking chambers. The smoke aroma subtly infiltrates the leaves and gives the yerba mate a characteristic, smoky taste. This technique is often used in certain regional varieties of yerba mate and adds a unique element to the overall drinking experience. Through careful picking and drying, yerba mate is transformed from fresh leaves to the dried blend we know and love. Whether you prefer the pure flavor of air-dried yerba mate or the subtle smokiness of the smoke-dried variety, one thing is certain: the process of yerba mate production is an art in itself, and every cup tells the story of the rich tradition and craft dedication that goes into it. So, the next time you enjoy a cup of yerba mate, remember the journey of these special leaves from field to mug.

Yerba mate is an intriguing drink that originated in South America and is known for its rich flavor and stimulating effects. Although traditional drinking of yerba mate is an age-old practice, there are also modern twists on this beloved drink. Let's look at the traditional way to prepare and enjoy yerba mate, as well as some other methods. Traditionally Enjoying Yerba Mate In countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, drinking yerba mate is more than just a habit; it is a social event and a sign of hospitality. Here's how to drink yerba mate traditionally: Fill the gourd just over halfway with yerba. Cover the top of the gourd with your hand, and shake it up and down to ensure that the powdery particles are not all on the bottom. Now hold the yerba at an angle and place it at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. For example, you can use your bombilla to support the gourd. Pour a little lukewarm water as close as possible to the wall of the gourd on the side where the yerba is not. You now get one half with dry leaves, and one half with water. Wait 1-2 minutes for the water to be absorbed by the yerba leaves. Once the water has been completely absorbed, you can 'tamp' the leaves with your bombilla so that the yerba is completely on one side of the gourd. Now put the bombilla in the side where there are no leaves, and slide the filter, with the flat side up, under the leaves. Push the leaves up a little with the bombilla, so that a kind of hole is created for the bombilla. Now pour warm water (no warmer than 80 degrees) on the side where the bombilla is, and you are ready to enjoy! Do not let the yerba steep for too long, as this will make it very bitter. Drank? You can simply refill the mate again. You can often refill up to 8 times until the taste starts to diminish.

If you're looking for ways to lose weight and live a healthier life, yerba mate might be something to try. This popular South American drink has been used for centuries for its health benefits, including its ability to aid in weight loss. But how can yerba mate help you lose weight? First, it contains caffeine and other stimulants, such as theobromine and theophylline, which can increase metabolism and stimulate the body to burn more calories. In addition, yerba mate can increase the feeling of fullness, making you less likely to overeat. Another benefit of yerba mate is that it can help regulate blood sugar levels. This can be especially helpful for people who struggle with insulin resistance or diabetes. Drinking yerba mate can keep the blood sugar level in balance, so that you are less likely to experience peaks and dips in your energy level and are less likely to overeat. Yerba mate also contains antioxidants and nutrients, making it a healthy option for those looking for ways to live a healthier life. By drinking yerba mate instead of sugary drinks or soft drinks, you can easily reduce your calorie intake while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs. So if you want to lose weight, drinking yerba mate can be a great way to reach your goals. It can help you increase your metabolism, reduce your hunger pangs and keep your energy levels up. Try it today and see for yourself why yerba mate is so popular among people looking for a healthier lifestyle.

If you're looking for an alternative to coffee, yerba mate is definitely worth a try. This popular South American drink offers many health benefits and can be a great substitute for coffee. One of the main benefits of yerba mate over coffee is that it contains less caffeine. This may make it a better choice for people who are sensitive to caffeine and its associated side effects, such as nervousness, anxiety, and insomnia. In addition, yerba mate contains a number of other stimulant compounds, such as theobromine and theophylline, which can give you an energy boost without the side effects of coffee. These substances work together to improve your focus, increase your mental clarity and boost your energy levels. Another advantage of yerba mate over coffee is that it is less acidic. Coffee can cause stomach problems and heartburn, while yerba mate has a milder taste and less acidic properties. Because of this, yerba mate can be a great option for people who have digestive issues. Yerba mate is also a good choice if you're looking for a drink that can naturally help boost your immune system. It contains a large amount of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy and function at its best. In short, yerba mate is a great substitute for coffee due to its lower caffeine content, milder taste, and natural energizing properties. If you're looking for a drink that can help you break your daily coffee routine, yerba mate is definitely worth a try.

If you are looking for a drink that will give you more energy and increase your focus and concentration, yerba mate is something to consider. This South American drink is the favorite drink of many football players, including Lionel Messi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) But why do footballers actually drink yerba mate? The answer is simple: it contains caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, which can increase metabolism and energize the body. This can help to reduce physical and mental fatigue, allowing football players to perform longer and better during matches and training. Plus, yerba mate is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, making it a healthier option than most energy drinks. Another benefit of yerba mate is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety. This can be especially useful for football players who are under immense pressure to perform. Drinking yerba mate can help them feel more relaxed and focused, which can help them perform better on the field. But why should you drink yerba mate as a non-football player? The answer is simple: because it's a great way to start your day or to get an energy boost during a long day at work. Unlike coffee and most energy drinks, yerba mate does not cause a sudden energy dip and is rich in healthy nutrients. If you've never tried yerba mate, what are you waiting for? It is not only tasty, but also healthy and can help you reach your daily goals. Buy yerba mate today and see for yourself why footballers like Messi drink it. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antoine Griezmann (@antogriezmann)