Literally meaning "Cup Herb", the leaves and stems are dried, left to develop and then ground to produce Yerba Mate.

Traditionally prepared with hot water in a gourd, and sipped through a straw, Yerba Mate produces an opaque green liquor with an initial taste of fresh grass followed by smoky overtones and a slightly astringent, dry finish.

Unlike our other infusions, Yerba Mate does contain some caffeine at a similar level to tea.

See right - this is a Yerba Mate "holly" bush!

Yerba Mate is an unusual infusion and it's important to take care in its preparation, so here are our tips:

- Use freshly drawn cold water
- Boil your water and then let cool for 2 or 3 minutes [to about 80 degrees]
- Use 1 teaspoon per person and 1 for the pot in a glass teapot
- Steep for 3 to 5 minutes or more(or to your taste)
- Always without milk
… and for freshness every time, keep your infusions somewhere cool, dark, dry and airtight!

At Twinings, we believe the secret of creating great taste lies in the ingredients you choose to work with.

That's why we've used all natural ingredients and nothing else in our green and white teas and all our infusions. That means no artificial flavours - just the real thing.

- Yerba Mate

- Yerba mate contains caffeine at a slightly lower levels than tea