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  Frequently Asked QuestionsYerba Mate and Health
Botany, History, and Culture
Preparation and Storage
Our Company and Our Source
Yerba Mate and HealthQ: Will yerba mate help me lose weight?A: Yerba mate receives a lot of press as a weight-loss tea. Yerba Mate raises metabolism. Yerba Mate regulates appetite. Yerba Mate aids digestion. Yerba Mate is thermogenic. "Thermogenic" means that it actually induces the body to burn calories. Yerba Mate provides antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, and B vitamins to support a healthy lifestyle. Q: Does yerba mate contain caffeine?A: You may have heard an ongoing debate about whether yerba mate contains caffeine or a similar substance called mateine. For years, we've been hearing from many sources that yerba mate's stimulant is mateine, a unique chemical that is related to caffeine, but very different in the way it interacts with the body. Other sources report that no such molecule as mateine exists. Based on our own research, yerba mate contains a combination of caffeine, theophylline (found in green tea), and theobromine (found in chocolate). We periodically have our EcoTeas yerba mate tested in labs. The labs report that our yerba mate provides around 25 mg of caffeine per 2g tea bag in 8 oz of water. For comparison, the average cup of coffee has 135 mg of caffeine. The average cup of black tea contains 50 mg. Green tea has 30 mg. Many of our customers report that yerba mate is more pleasant, less jittery, and longer lasting than coffee. This may be because yerba mate contains so many other healthful substances. Specifically, yerba mate's high mineral content may support nervous system function. Its high B-vitamin content may help relax muscles. One helpful distinction that we like to make is that caffeine is a substance, while mateine is an effect. Maybe the issue is not with the chemical structure of the stimulant in yerba mate, but with a culture that insists on isolating a single active ingredient in this dynamic, complex herb. When you combine the nutrition, antioxidants, and stimulants that all naturally occur in yerba mate, you get a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Either way, the anecdotal evidence is piling up. Yerba mate has helped millions of people lead healthier, more energized lives. Once you try it, we think you'll agree. Q: What is the nutritional content of yerba mate?A: Yerba Mate is often touted as "the nutritious stimulant." Here is a chart that shows the nutritional value of a mug of yerba mate tea.
EcoTeas Mate Nutrition Q: What is the antioxidant power of yerba mate?A: EcoTeas Yerba Mate is naturally loaded with antioxidants:
Antioxidant Power* *Expressed as the "ORAC value," which measures the ability of antioxidants to scavenge harmful free radicals. Note: A typical mate gourd contains 50g of yerba. Q: What is the fluoride content of yerba mate?A: An 8 oz cup of mate with one 2g tea bag yields about 0.021 mg of fluoride, which is about one-fifth the fluoride content of green tea. Botany, History, and CultureQ: Is yerba mate a green tea?A: No. Green and black teas are both derived from the tea plant, Camelia sinensis. In contrast, yerba mate comes from the leaves of the South American holly tree (Ilex paraguariensis). Yerba mate shares many of the constituents that are found in green tea (antioxidants and caffeine). It is sometimes called South America's version of green tea. A more accurate description for yerba mate would be a "caffeinated herbal tea" or a "tisane," the French word used to describe herbal infusions that are prepared and enjoyed like tea. Q: Where does the word yerba mate come from?A: This is a little complicated, but once you get it down, you'll sound like an expert! Let's take the words one at a time. The word yerba (pronounced yair-buh) is Spanish for "herb." When Argentines refer to the loose herb before it is brewed into a tea, they call it simply "yerba." Try the following sentence: "I went to the Park Slope Co-op in Brooklyn and picked up a pound of EcoTeas yerba." The word mate (pronounced mah-tay) comes from the Guarani language, and it means "gourd." The Guarani (pronounced wa-ra-nee) people are the original Native American inhabitants of the yerba mate growing region, which includes Paraguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina. Try this phrase: "Welcome to Buenos Aires. Before we go out dancing, would you like to share a mate?" The beverage made from yerba mate is also called mate. In this case, the word mate would be used like so: "We drank mate and danced all night." In Argentina, the word mate also refer to the actual tree, as in this sentence: "There is a mate tree growing at the UC Santa Cruz arboretum." The compound word yerba mate literally translates as, "The herb of the gourd." Q: If yerba mate is so awesome, how come it isn't as popular as coffee or tea?A: Argentines consume seven times more yerba mate than coffee. Uruguayans drink more tea per capita than any other culture on Earth, and it's all yerba mate. Yerba mate is also extremely popular in the middle east, where it is enjoyed communally in countries like Lebanon and Syria. Charles Darwin wrote enthusiatically of yerba mate back in the 19th century. French author Colette drank it in her 1930's Paris salons. We hear that Hillary Clinton, Madonna, and Matthew McConaughy are all fans. However, compared to coffee and tea, yerba mate is under-represented in Europe and North America. Two factors, one botanical and one political, contributed to yerba mate's historical isolation. During the colonial era, many efforts were made to cultivate yerba mate in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, no one could figure out how to get the bright red yerba mate berries to sprout. Maybe they should have asked the local Guarani people! The Guarani knew (and it took centuries for Europeans to learn) that yerba mate seeds have a hard outer coating. The seeds will only sprout once they pass through the digestive acids in a toucan's stomach. So, while Europeans planted coffee and tea around the world, yerba mate cultivation remained confined to its native South American forests, where the toucans obliged the local growers by feasting on the berries every year. The other reason for yerba mate's isolation is geo-political. The yerba mate growing region is located in the hinterland between three historically antagonistic countries, far from any seaport. Jesuit missionaries created a system of yerba mate plantations employing Guarani labor in Argentina in the 16th century, only to be expelled from the country when they grew too successful. Civil war, territorial disputes, and sadly, genocides have all left their mark on the region and hindered development of the yerba mate industry. In these relatively stable times, there is a huge opportunity to develop a sustainable, organic, fair trade yerba mate industry in South America, and perhaps one day, beyond. Demand is growing every year, and the future for yerba mate looks bright indeed. Preparation and StorageQ: How long will yerba mate stay fresh if it is stored unopened?A: Look on the back panel of our one pound bag. There will be a series of numbers stamped onto the bag, under the picture of the gourds. The last four digits of that code are the month and year that the yerba mate was packed. Our one pound bags will taste great for at least three years after this date. They will still be safe to drink for much longer. Q: What is the best way to store yerba mate?A: Store yerba mate in a dark, dry place. Avoid letting the herb contact air, water, or light. Keeping the unopened packages in a cupboard should be fine. We like to transfer the herb from our opened bags into mason jars for airtight storage and easy access. Q: What is the best way to prepare mate?A: Yerba mate is a versatile herb that can be prepared in many different ways. Visit the recipes page for complete instructions on how to prepare yerba mate. Q: Why shouldn't I use boiling water to make mate?A: The ideal temperature to brew hot mate is 150 F. There are several reasons why using boiling water is a bad idea. First of all, boiling water destroys the antioxidants and nutrition. Boiling water also tends to make the mate taste more bitter and 'burnt.' Finally, boiling water is harmful to the mouth and throat. Especially when using a bombilla, habitual use of boiling water may burn the mouth and cause long-term damage. You can also brew mate in cold water for ten minutes to make a tasty, beneficial tea. Q: Should I use tea bags or loose mate?A: Our tea bags are easy to use. They are made with the same high quality yerba mate as our loose products. On the other hand, our loose yerba mate requires a lot less packaging, is a much better deal per pound, and is much more versatile. Many of our customers start off with tea bags, then graduate to loose yerba mate. It's really up to you! Q: How do I cure a yerba mate gourd?A: It is necessary to cure your mate gourd before use. This process removes the bitter gourd taste from the vessel.
Your gourd is now ready for use! Remember to follow these tips to keep your gourd in good shape:
Our Company and Our SourceQ: Is EcoTeas Yerba Mate fair trade?A: Yes! To demonstrate our commitment to fair trade, we have joined the Fair Trade Federation. FTF has reviewed EcoTeas and granted us membership based on our socially and environmentally responsible practices. Click Here to View Our "Fair Trade Pledge" We are really excited about the fair trade movement. As big box stores, huge food processing companies, and the USDA infiltrate the organic movement, concerned shoppers are starting to look "Beyond Organic." Logos such as "Buy Local," "Fair Trade," and "Bird Friendly" help ensure true integrity of farming and social practices, beyond nominal adherence to the USDA's organic guidelines. In the words of our company's founder and president, Stefan Schachter, "My vision for EcoTeas is a small, prosperous tea company that aligns with the planetary effort to build a peaceful and sustainable future." We work in close partnership with a single sustainable family farm in Argentina. We support organic certification initiatives in our farmer's watershed. We are working with our farmers and Argentine conservation groups to promote reforestation in the region. You can read more about our yerba mate farm here. Q: What is meant by "unsmoked" yerba mate?A: Most yerba mate is dried over wood fires, resulting in a "smoked" flavor. EcoTeas yerba mate is dried with warm clean air, resulting in a cleaner, greener flavor. We have coined the term "unsmoked" to distinguish our yerba mate in the marketplace. Q: Is EcoTeas Yerba Mate shade-grown?A: EcoTeas Yerba Mate is currently transitional shade-grown. In other words, a wide variety of native seedlings have been planted throughout the farm, but they are not yet as tall as the yerba mate trees. We spend thousands of dollars every year planting trees on the Kraus family farm. Our long-term goals are to create shade, protect soil, increase biodiversity, and model an ecologically-sound growing method for the entire region. The Yale School of Forestry has identified our farm as an ideal study site for the economically viable reforestation of the imperiled Interior Atlantic forest type. With your support of our efforts, we are making a positive difference. Learn more about our reforestation program here. Q: Is EcoTeas Yerba Mate aged?A: EcoTeas yerba mate is aged a minimum of nine months before it is packed. The age of the finished product will range from one to two years. The flavor of yerba mate changes over time. After extensive testing, we've found that yerba mate's flavor peaks at around 18 months, and stays good for at least three years. Fresh, or 'green' yerba mate is popular in some regions of Brazil. Some people believe that green yerba mate is more potent, but we find it too bitter and hard on the stomach. Aged mate is more mellow and balanced, like a fine wine or cheese. Q: What's the difference between Kraus Mate and EcoTeas Mate?A: EcoTeas and Kraus have a lot in common. They are both certified organic and kosher. They are both "unsmoked." They both come from the Kraus family farm in northern Argentina. EcoTeas Yerba Mate is a pure leaf cut. To make EcoTeas Yerba Mate, we sift out the stems and the powder. EcoTeas is one of the most powerful yerba mates on the market in terms of nutrition, antioxidants, and energy. It doesn't tend to clog bombillas or filters, since it lacks the powder common in many brands. Kraus Yerba Mate is a more mellow cut containing leaf and stem. The stem is less potent than the leaf, and it imparts a characteristic woody flavor to the herb. Many people who casually drink yerba mate through a bombilla prefer a stemmy cut like Kraus, while those seeking the most versatile, potent herb possible prefer a pure leaf cut like EcoTeas. Q: Still looking for the answer to your question?A: Try searching one of these yerba mate blogs: Also, you can sign up for our EcoTeas Newsletter to stay posted! |
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