Description
This Brazilian mate comes to us from the region of Paraná. It is particularly round and fresh with very smooth vegetal notes. Its aromatic profile and the distinct size of its leaves make it an ideal mate to prepare traditionally in a calabash.
Mate is an infusion that originates in South America. It is also known as "Chimarrão", or "Jesuit's tea". Its name is derived from the quechua word "mathi", and refers to the hollowed-out dried gourd which constitutes the calabash from which it is traditionally drunk. It is made out of a yerba mate tree,which is a type of holly tree. This tree is native to South America, and is cultivated in four countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This tree can only grow in subtropical climates, with high humidity and a lot of sunshine. Once the leaves are harvested, they are heated up to stop oxidation, then they are chopped and stored for several months to increase their aromatic concentration. The leaves are then graded and mixed together to obtain the grade required (with or without stems/large or small leaves, etc.).
Originally, it was at the centre of the native American Guaraní's diet due to the health benefits it provided. Providing a natural energy boost and health benefits due to its caffeine and mineral content,mate is the ideal drink for post-sports recovery.
This tea is grown organically and certified by Ecocert, an accredited independent certification body.
Legend of mate
There are many legends surrounding mate. One of the most famous is the tale told by the Guaraní. Thelegend goes that the god Tupú, moved at the sight of a young girl looking after her ill father, gave hera plant with magical powers: the Yerba Mate. The leaves of this magical tree have two qualities: healing powers, and driving out feelings of loneliness. But that's not all; to reward her for herkindness, the god raised her up to the status of a goddess, and she became Caa-Yarí, the goddess of mate.Just like the tea, this precious Amerindian plant would make for a heavenly gift. The father's recoveryat the hands of she who would become the goddess Caa-Yarí symbolises the healthy properties of Yerba Mate.
This young woman's generosity also exemplifies the solidarity between mankind that is at the heart ofmate consumption, as this tea is typically shared together among friends.
