glicized name for hierba mate, a shrub-like plant of the holly family which grows in northern Argentina and surrounding areas of Brazil and Paraguay. Yerba mate is also the name given to the beverage made from the dried leaves (and sometimes twigs) of this plant, much enjoyed by the Gauchos, who drink it socially out of a weird-looking gourd contraption with a metal straw, which confusingly is also called a mate.
Forgetting about the gourd contraption, yerba mate is quite delicious and can be prepared the same way as with loose tea leaves, by using an infuser or even a French coffee press. Just be sure the water is hot but below boiling temperature, else you'll get a bitter brew. Two level teaspoons of yerba mate per 8 oz water is about right. Add milk and sugar to taste.
You'll find yerba mate on the shelf in your neighborhood latino grocery or many supermarkets carrying hispanic foods. A 2 kilo box of Nobleza Gaucha brand or simililar should be less than $3.00, unless you buy it online where the price is double (plus shipping). Yerba mate also comes packaged in tea bags, plain or flavored.
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