Mate: origins, traditions and flavors to discover today
Originating in South America, yerba mate embodies sharing, natural energy, and tradition. An ancestral ritual of the Guarani people, it is enjoyed from a gourd using a bombilla (metal straw). Betjeman & Barton reinterprets this iconic infusion with refined blends, such as Organic Awakening Green Tea and Green Yerba Mate Infusion, for an authentic wellness experience.
Discover maté, an unusual drink from South America that can be enjoyed as an alternative to tea or coffee.
Maison Betjeman & Barton invites you to appreciate all the subtleties of this infusion through a refined collection with authentic flavours. Reflecting a lifestyle focused on well-being and natural energy, maté revisits the French tea tradition to delight all palates in search of pleasure and novelty.
Origin, tradition, culture: the secrets of maté
Firmly rooted in the ancestral traditions of the Guaranis, an indigenous South American people, maté consumption symbolises hospitality, sharing and cultural belonging.
As early as the 15th and 16th centuries, the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a species of wild holly also known as "yerba maté", were harvested, dried and infused for their purifying and energising properties. More than just an infusion, this drink has since embodied a true social and spiritual ritual from Argentina to Paraguay, including southern Brazil and Uruguay, and represents a strong link with nature.
When the Jesuits settled in Latin America, they discovered maté and quickly understood its interest and benefits. In Europe, maté therefore became "Jesuit tea", a nickname that nonetheless denies the deep origins of yerba maté cultivation.
Here, as elsewhere, maté is traditionally drunk using a gourd and a bombilla, two essential accessories for fully appreciating the aromatic richness of the infusion and immersing oneself in the customs that surround it. While the gourd serves as a receptacle, the bombilla is a thin metal straw designed to filter the drink. In many homes and cities in South America, maté is shared in a circle: the gourd is passed from hand to hand, as a symbol of trust and friendship.
The preparation of yerba maté follows a precise ritual: first, two-thirds of the receptacle is filled with leaves, then it is gently tilted to create a cavity. Then a trickle of lukewarm water is poured to moisten the plant, before inserting the bombilla. Finally, hot but not boiling water is added and it is slowly savoured, in several successive infusions.
At Betjeman & Barton, we value this heritage and gladly restore maté to its former glory. Our "Jesuit tea" style blends combine tradition and excellence to convince demanding consumers. Not only reserved for connoisseurs, tasting our French-made matés is also for beginners!
Infusion, tea: our different types of matés
Designed to satisfy all desires and adapt to all daily occasions, our range of matés remains true to the original spirit of this South American drink, while offering a unique sensory experience to each consumer.
Let yourself be surprised by our classic and flavoured matés, available in bulk on our website, in our tea shops and in our partner boutiques.
- “Thé Vert Réveil Bio” combines Sencha green tea with maté to energise your senses with every cup. This invigorating and refreshing drink helps you start the day off right, thanks to sparkling notes of lemongrass and orange peel. In its recipe, safflower, an oriental plant with colouring properties, also adds a delicate floral note, ideal for stimulating the body and mind upon waking or after lunch. For optimal preparation, infuse the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes at 80°C.
- “Infusion Maté Vert” offers you a one-way ticket to Brazil every day! Halfway between tea and herbal tea. Considered an infusion without theine, this green maté is characterised by a slightly bitter taste, with very subtle smoky notes. Infuse for 5 minutes in 90°C water and consume throughout the day, as desired.
Like our other teas and infusions, our matés are available in bulk format. Choose them in 100g, 500g or 1kg versions, for regular use or to offer an original gift to your loved ones.
Maté, an infusion with many benefits
Yerba maté is particularly appealing for its natural virtues, which make it an essential well-being ally in a daily routine.
Maté offers gentle and lasting energy, without the stimulating effects of theine or caffeine. Its richness in powerful antioxidants (polyphenols, vitamins C and E, etc.) is also a major asset in fighting oxidative stress and cellular ageing.
This natural drink also supports digestion, strengthens the immune system and helps maintain lasting concentration, for renewed comfort.
