Yerba Maté is a small evergreen holly native to subtropical South America, especially Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil. For centuries, its glossy leaves have been dried and shared in a hollow gourd with a bombilla ~ a filtering straw traditionally made of wood or metal. Passing the gourd is central to community life.
This is unroasted, or “green,” Maté. It brews to a golden-green cup with grassy aroma, bold earthy taste, and sometimes a faint smokiness. Natural bitterness is balanced by lingering sweetness. Roasted Maté is also enjoyed for its darker, toasty notes, but the unroasted form remains the classic. Celebrated as the national drink of several South American countries, Yerba Maté continues to be a symbol of sharing, friendship, and tradition.
