Yerba Mate: a beginner's guide

Have you heard about mate but have no idea where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics so you can join this argentine and uruguayan tradition like a pro (or at least look like one while you learn).

What is Yerba Mate and why is it so special?

Mate is more than just a drink; it’s a tradition that brings people together, whether it’s during a hangout with friends, at work, or in a quiet moment of relaxation. Its main ingredient, yerba mate, is a plant native to South America with energizing properties and a unique flavor that varies depending on how it’s grown and processed.

If you’re new to mate, we recommend starting with mild-flavored yerbas to ease into it. Some great brands for beginners include Taragüi Suave, Playadito, La Merced de Campo, Canarias Serena, Del Cebador, and Baldo. These argentine and uruguayan brands (and many more) are available in our online store pampadirect.com, with worldwide shipping.

What do you need to drink mate?

Unlike other teas or infusions, drinking mate requires more than just a mug. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Yerba mate: the options are endless and depend on your taste. You can choose mild yerbas, herbal blends, organic varieties, or even flavored options.
2. Mate gourd: the traditional cup, which can be made of calabash, wood, glass, or ceramic.
3. Bombilla: the metal straw used for sipping.
4. Thermos or kettle: to keep the water at the right temperature (between 160-175 °F).
5. Accessories: consider using a yerba container for storage and a mate set bag to carry everything together.

Find everything you need at Pampa Direct

At Pampa Direct, you’ll find a wide selection of argentine and uruguayan yerbas mate, from traditional brands like Taragüi and Canarias to organic and flavored options. But that’s not all—we also offer mates, bombillas, thermoses, yerba containers, and mate bags, so you’ll have everything you need to enjoy the perfect mate experience, no matter where you are.

We ship internationally, so whether you’re in New York, Madrid, or Sydney, mate is always just a click away!

Ready to take the first step? Visit pampadirect.com and get everything you need to start your mate journey today.