Yerba mate might be new to the United States, but in its historical context it certainly is not new. Of course, the title of “first brewed beverage” goes to tea - legend dates it back to 2737 BC. From its origin in China we know that tea use slowly spread around the world. Yerba mate did not enjoy the same migration patterns however, because the yerba mate tree would not grow anywhere except in the South American rainforest.Â
Yerba Mate Milestones
Ready To Drink Yerba Mate
A mate, bombilla, fresh yerba and some hot water – are all of the implements necessary for the great South American social tradition of sharing a mate. The ritual takes time; it’s not supposed to be rushed. The whole idea is to relax and enjoy the yerba mate experience.
But, have you ever wished that you could buy a bottle or can of yerba mate that was already prepared and ready to drink?
The ready to drink is now so prevalent in the beverage industry that these pre-measured, pre-mixed, pre-packaged drinks are referred to as Ready To Drink or by the abbreviation RTD. In today’s fast paced society, you should not be surprised to learn that yerba mate RTDs are rapidly gaining in popularity, and in space on shelves of specialty markets.
Acquiring a taste for yerba mate
If you tried yerba mate once or twice and were put off by its pungent, earthy taste, try it again. It’s an acquired taste and over time most people find that they actually savor it. Such is the evolution of many a novice turned connoisseur. The flavor of mate cannot be compared to coffee or tea. Yerba mate has its own unique flavor and surprisingly there are many variations.
A cheer for “chai latte” yerba mate!
On busy street corners in Paraguay you will often see vendors selling herbs and spices to locals who want to “perk up” their gourds full of yerba mate. Perhaps this is a glimpse of the origin of the many flavored yerba mate products sold today. I prefer my mate plain and unsweetened, but I make a few exceptions and one is for chai latte yerba mate.
Addicted to yerba mate?
When I first tell someone about the fantastic attributes of yerba mate, they usually ask questions about it. One question that always comes up is: “Can I get addicted to yerba mate?” This has always struck me as a funny question. Not funny as in “peculiar” however. No, it’s downright funny “ha ha!” I want to put my tongue in my cheek and say: “You bet it is!”
We live in a society that readily admits to being “addicted” to almost anything – TV, the internet, chocolate, fashion, watching celebrities, eating, jogging, shopping, you name it – and there is no stigma implied.  In this sense, you can even become addicted to yerba mate. We have workaholics and shopaholics; why not add yerbaholics?
Why drink yerba mate?
When friends ask me why I drink yerba mate, I usually mention a study cited by almost all yerba mate promoters – because the conclusion says it all….
In 1964, investigators from the Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific Society noted that yerba mate contains “practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life.” Their powerful endorsement concluded that: ”It is difficult to find a plant in any area of the world equal to mate in nutritional value.”Â
In other words - drinking yerba mate is good for you!
Yerba mate by the cup…
Yerba mate is rapidly gaining acceptance and popularity around the United States, but buying a cup of yerba mate can be a real challenge. In South America, finding yerba mate is no big deal. You can buy it in many forms at markets, most restaurants, gas stations, from street vendors and at mate bars. In the United States it is getting easier, but it still takes real persistence.
Welcome!
Welcome to Yerban Legend!
This blog is published just for yerba mate enthusiasts. If you already know about yerba mate – congratulations! If you don’t, this is your chance to learn about it. Please take a look at the “What is Yerba Mate?” page that describes the plant, the product, the customs, the pleasure and the benefits of this healthful South American herb beverage.
Jim Worsham - is the author, editor, publisher, and owner of this blog. He resides in Long Beach, CA.