Getting started with yerba mate can be challenging. Many newcomers may initially struggle with the numerous Spanish terms and definitions associated with it. We hope our glossary helps clarify and explain these unfamiliar concepts.
This yerba mate glossary is an essential resource for anyone beginning their journey with the drink. It helps avoid misunderstandings and mistakes when purchasing yerba mate and accessories for the first time. We invite you to explore the glossary.
Algarrobo – a type of wood used to make yerba mate vessels; available with or without metal fittings.
Alpaca – also known as "nickel silver," this is a metal alloy composed of zinc, nickel, and copper. It is used to craft *bombillas* (straws) and decorative bands for gourd vessels.
Amanda – one of the leading Argentine yerba mate producers, based in the Misiones province. The company was founded by a Polish immigrant, Jan "Juan" Szychowski.
Bajo contenido de polvo (BCP) – yerba mate with reduced dust content.
Barbacua – yerba mate processed using traditional methods dating back centuries, resulting in a smoky flavor and aroma. While the smoky notes are often pronounced, the leaves and stems do not come into direct contact with the smoke itself; this is achieved through a specialized wood-fired kiln and a specific drying system.
Bombilla – a straw with a filter at the bottom, used to strain the infusion. They are made from various materials: stainless steel, silver, gold, and other metal alloys, as well as natural materials like bamboo.
Chimarrão – a very finely ground variety of Brazilian yerba mate; preparing it requires a *bombilla* with a flat filter, known as a *bomba*. The preparation method is equally important, and there is quite a specific technique involved.
Cocido – yerba mate in tea bags for quick preparation without the need for special accessories.
Compuesta (con hierbas) – yerba mate with added herbs, such as mint, lemon verbena, boldo, anise, and the like.
Con – meaning "with" (e.g., *con palo* – yerba mate with stems).
Curado – the process of preparing the vessel for use. This mainly applies to gourd vessels, which require specific preparation—primarily for proper maintenance and to remove residual pulp, which has a laxative effect.
Despalada – a term for a type of yerba mate that generally contains no stems. These are often potent, stimulating varieties. Some types may contain up to 10% stems.
Endulzada – sweetened yerba mate, for example with stevia.
Elaborada – yerba mate containing stems (usually up to 30% of the package volume); it often has a milder flavor and effect than *Despalada*, though there are exceptions.
Erva mate – the name used for yerba mate in Brazil.
Especial – selected or premium-grade yerba mate.
Guampa – a vessel made from cattle horn or hoof. Designed exclusively for drinking yerba mate cold.
Guarani – the name of a South American indigenous tribe that drank mate to improve physical condition and stave off hunger and fatigue; they are considered the originators of yerba mate.
Hierbas – (Spanish for "herbs") varieties of yerba mate blended with various herbs.
Indega – the name of a Paraguayan yerba mate brand.
Caffeine – yerba mate is a source of caffeine, which stimulates the body and boosts energy for physical exertion. Depending on the variety, yerba mate contains between 0.7% and 2% caffeine.
Laranjeiras – a Brazilian company that produces a unique variety of mate known as "Mate Green." It is characterized by a remarkably intense green color, a result of the specific harvesting period. The bitterness in this type of mate is not as dominant as it is in Argentine varieties.
Manzana – Spanish for "apple."
Mate de Ruso – yerba mate prepared with fruit juice instead of water.
Mate Dulce – yerba mate with added sugar.
Mateista – a yerba mate enthusiast.
Mateine – a term used by some to describe the caffeine found in yerba mate, similar to "theine" in tea; chemically, however, they are the same compound.
Matero/Mate – terms describing the vessel used to prepare the yerba mate infusion. These vessels are made from various materials (gourd, bamboo, ceramics, clay, wood). Naranja – Spanish for "orange." Many fruit-flavored varieties of mate contain orange peel or orange flavoring to mellow the bitterness.
Organica – organic yerba mate.
Ilex paraguariensis – the plant used to produce yerba mate. The leaves and stems are harvested, then ground, dried, and aged for at least a year. Some versions are aged for up to two years, giving them a unique flavor.
Palo Santo – a vessel for drinking yerba mate made from Palo Santo wood. The tree contains a highly aromatic resin, which imparts additional flavor notes to the brew during use. These vessels are quite durable, though they should not be dried too rapidly, as this can cause them to crack.
Rosamonte – a leading Argentine yerba mate brand known worldwide. Thanks to an aging process involving rosewood, all the brand's varieties feature a unique taste with a subtle rose aroma.
Saborizada – yerba mate with added flavorings.
Silueta – yerba mate blended with herbs that support weight loss and metabolism.
Sin – literally "without" (e.g., *sin humo* – mate dried without smoke; *sin palo* – yerba mate without stems, consisting only of leaves).
Suave – a term describing yerba mate varieties with a delicate, mild flavor; however, this does not necessarily mean the infusion itself has a milder effect.
Terere – yerba mate prepared cold—that is, steeped in ice-cold water. It is often enhanced with fresh herbs, fruit, or fruit juices, making it perfectly refreshing on hot days.
Tostada – roasted yerba mate with brown leaves. Its flavor resembles grain coffee, and it can be brewed with boiling water.
Calabaza (Gourd) – a fruit related to the pumpkin. Once hollowed out and dried, it serves as an excellent vessel for drinking yerba mate.
Union – an Argentine brand that produces excellent yerba mate. Their range includes classic, herbal, and fruit-flavored varieties of yerba mate. For the time being, it is not widely known in Poland.
Yerbera – a container or package for storing this extraordinary mate ;)
