Tea Blog

Yerba mate is not technically tea—at least not in the strict sense—but in North America it is often grouped with tea due to its preparation and consumption style.

Like tea, it consists of steeped leaves and is typically served hot, though its cultural roots lie in South America, where it is widely consumed and deeply ingrained in daily life.

Yerba mate blends and loose-leaf varieties commonly used for traditional preparation methods are traditionally brewed in a hollowed gourd called a mate and consumed through a metal straw known as a bombilla, which filters out the leaves.

While this traditional method remains the most authentic, yerba mate is now widely available in tea bags and bottled beverages, making it more accessible to new audiences.

The easiest way to experience yerba mate is to have it prepared by someone familiar with the process. In many larger North American cities, cafes and tea houses may offer yerba mate beverages prepared in both traditional and modern styles.

If you find yourself in northern California, you can visit the Guayakí Mate Bar featuring traditional and modern yerba mate drinks, which offers a dedicated environment for exploring the beverage.

If you plan to prepare yerba mate sample packs and assorted blends for home brewing, it is important to properly cure a new mate gourd before first use.

For guidance, see this step-by-step guide to curing a yerba mate gourd before use, as well as this tutorial explaining traditional yerba mate preparation techniques, and this overview of yerba mate preparation including traditional serving methods.

For alternative brewing methods, refer to this guide to preparing yerba mate using non-traditional tools like a French press.

For a broader introduction, see this overview of yerba mate covering its history, cultural significance, and preparation.

Check out William’s blog, Tea Guy Speaks, a blog focused on tea culture and traditional beverages.