Number of Cycles

A cycle represents the amount of time it takes for the Yerba Mate to become Lavado (washed), and lose its taste.

The number of cycles will very much depend on how much Yerba Mate you are using and how large your Yerba Mate gourd is, but if you stick to the same gourd and same amount of Yerba Mate in each serving, then you can compare Yerba Mate brands.

Dulce

“Mate Dulce” means something sweet has been added to the Yerba Mate. This is most commonly regular sugar, but it can be sweet syrups too. The sugar is usually added before the hot water is added.

Palos

Small white twigs that are included in the mate to enhance its flavor makes the mate sweeter and smoother in my experiences.

Con Palos

This simply means the Yerba Mate is with Palos (twigs). Con Palos Yerba Mate tastes sweeter.

Sin Palos

Opposite of Con Palos, “Sin Palos” means the Yerba Mate does not have Palos (twigs). Yerba Mate is usually harsher in taste when Sin Palos.

Despalada

This means “mate without stems”. It is synonymous with “sin palos”.

Gaucho

“Gaucho Mate” is usually very strong, intense Yerba Mate that is typical of Southern Brazil and Uruguay.

Polvo

This is the green powder present in Yerba Mate bags. Because of the milling process of the plant, all Yerba Mate comes with powder. The amount of Yerba Mate powder is brand dependent as each company makes its own ratio of leaves, stems and powder. The Yerba Mate Polvo plays an important role in the taste profile of Yerba Mate. It can make your Yerba Mate strong, well-balanced or mellow.

Polvo also helps hold the mate together and increases the Yerba Mate’s cycle. Gourmet and high-quality brands have just the right amount of Polvo for the target customers. Our Native Leaf Original, for example, is targeted at European customers and as such, it has a sweet mellow taste profile.

Mate cocido

Mate Cocido is a Yerba Mate that is prepared by adding Yerba Mate to water and bringing the water to boil, then pouring the Yerba Mate into a cup with a strainer to filter out the leaves and sticks. Sugar can be added if one has a sweet tooth.

Modern versions have moved the Yerba Mate into tea bags for convenience, though these as with other teas, do not taste as good.