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 mate, an unusual drink originating from South America to enjoy as an alternative to tea or coffee.
Betjeman & Barton invites you to appreciate all the subtleties of this infusion through a refined collection of authentic flavors. Reflecting a lifestyle centered on well-being and natural energy, maté reinterprets the French tea tradition to enchant all palates seeking pleasure and novelty.
Origin, tradition, culture: the secrets of yerba mate
Firmly rooted in the ancestral traditions of the Guarani, an indigenous South American people, the consumption of mate symbolizes hospitality, sharing, and cultural belonging.
From the 15th and 16th centuries onwards, the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a species of wild holly also known as "yerba maté," were harvested, dried, and infused for their purifying and energizing properties. More than just an infusion, this beverage has since become a true social and spiritual ritual, from Argentina to Paraguay, passing through southern Brazil and Uruguay, and represents a strong connection with nature.
When the Jesuits settled in Latin America, they discovered yerba mate and quickly understood its value and benefits. In Europe, yerba mate thus became known as "Jesuit tea," a nickname that, however, obscures the deep origins of yerba mate culture.
Here, as elsewhere, yerba mate 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 surrounding it. While the gourd serves as the container, the bombilla is a thin metal straw designed to filter the beverage. In many homes and towns in South America, yerba mate is shared in a circle: the gourd is passed from hand to hand, as a symbol of trust and friendship.
The preparation of yerba mate follows a precise ritual: first, the container is filled two-thirds full with leaves, then gently tilted to create a cavity. A trickle of warm water is then poured over to moisten the plant before inserting the bombilla (metal straw). Finally, hot, but not boiling, water is added, and the tea is enjoyed slowly, in several successive infusions.
At Betjeman & Barton, we cherish this heritage and are delighted to restore yerba mate to its former glory. Our "Jesuit tea" blends combine tradition and excellence to satisfy discerning consumers. Not just for connoisseurs, our French-made yerba mate is also perfect for newcomers!
Infusion, tea: our different types of maté
Designed to satisfy all desires and adapt to all everyday occasions, our range of mates 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 flavored mate teas, available in bulk on our website, in our tea shops and in our partner stores.
- Organic Awakening Green Tea blends Sencha green tea with maté to invigorate your senses with every cup. This invigorating and refreshing beverage helps you start your day off right, thanks to sparkling notes of lemongrass and orange peel. Safflower, an oriental plant with coloring properties, adds a delicate floral note, perfect for stimulating body and mind upon waking or after lunch. For optimal preparation, brew the blend for 2 to 3 minutes at 80°C (176°F).
- "Green Mate Infusion" offers you a one-way ticket to Brazil every day! Halfway between tea and herbal tea, this green mate, considered a caffeine-free infusion, is characterized by a slightly bitter flavor with very subtle smoky notes. Infuse for 5 minutes in water at 90°C and enjoy throughout the day, as you wish.
Like our other teas and infusions, our maté is available loose. Choose from 100g, 500g, or 1kg sizes, perfect for everyday use or as a unique gift for loved ones.
Mate, an infusion with numerous benefits
Yerba mate is particularly appealing because of its natural properties, which make it an essential wellness ally in a daily routine.
Yerba mate provides gentle and sustained 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 combating oxidative stress and cellular aging.
This natural drink also supports digestion, strengthens the immune system and helps maintain sustained concentration, for renewed comfort.
