YERBA MATE TEA
Yerba Mate Tea From The Rainforest
Yerba mate tea is an infusion of the leaves and twigs from the yerba mate plant which is grown in sub-tropical South America. The shrub-like plant is a member of the holly family, grows up to 15 meters in heights, has evergreen leaves with slightly serrated edges, and contains small white flower and small red fruit. The yerba mate plant grows wild in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru, but is more abundant in Paraguay where the mate plant is cultivated.
It has been found that yerba mate tea made with boiling water has a slightly bitter taste. Therefore, the yerba mate tea infusion drunk in South America is made from the leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant steeped in hot or cold water, as opposed to the boiling water usually used for tea in other parts of the world. One interesting fact is that the yerba mate tea is usually steeped in the same gourd from which it is drunk, and the leaves and twigs are used continuously until there is no taste or smell left.
Yerba mate tea is a natural, non-toxic stimulant with no side effects and seems to have been a very common traditional household cure (as are the seeds of the cupuacu fruit) for the natives in Argentina and Paraguay. Yerba mate tea can be drunk as a warm drink or as a cold drink and has been found to boost immunity, combat fatigue and reduce stress, among other things. And this herbal tea is used in Fruta Vida along with the acai berry superfood.
Sharing Yerba Mate Tea
In the South American countries where yerba mate tea is commonly used, it is often shared with others using the same cup (gourd) and straw (bombilla). In these cases it is a form of binding friendship with a special ceremony containing certain rituals that must be observed. The sharing of yerba mate tea is done with co-workers, family members, friends, and others who may have a common bond. It is considered a privilege to be asked to share in the yerba mate tea ritual.
