Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate (pronounced “yerba mah-tay”) is an evergreen bush with white flowers and red fruit that is native to South America.  The tea is prepared by drying and roasting the leaves and has a very strong grassy and smoky flavour.  The strong flavour means that this tea is not for the faint of heart!  Yerba Mate is mostly known for its health benefits.  It is a natural stimulant that promotes alertness and stimulates weight loss.  It’s packed with nutrients and anti-oxidants: vitamins A, C, E and many of the vitamins in the B complex.  It is also rich in minerals – iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulphur and silica among them  Take care to only use hot, and not boiling, water when preparing this tea, which can be reinfused several times.  Unlike most teas, it does not become bitter and astringent when steeped for extended periods.