Selecta yerba mate tea • Energy, Guarana • 500 g

In Argentina, mate tea holds such cultural significance that since 2013, it has been officially recognized as the national beverage. Yerba mate contains more antioxidants than green tea and is an incredibly versatile drink. It energizes when hot, refreshes when cold, and offers a wide range of experiences with different flavors.

Mate tea enhances mental alertness and concentration, supports digestion, and mildly suppresses appetite, making it excellent for weight-loss diets. First-time yerba mate drinkers often report an improved mood and enhanced clarity of thought.

A stronger brew of mate can contain as much as 100 - 180 mg of caffeine per serving, yet it causes less jitteriness and tension compared to coffee, thanks to the theobromine it contains, which helps blunt the negative effects of caffeine.

If you haven’t tried mate yet, now is the time!
Discover its flavor, its strength, its ritual – and fall in love...

☀ How to Make Yerba Mate?

• Pour 2 - 3 dl of water at 70 - 80 °C over 1 tablespoon of mate tea.
• Let it steep for 5 - 10 minutes.
• Strain the tea or drink with a bombilla.

Use a glass or ceramic cup.

Storage: in a dry, dark place below 25 °C.

The story of Selecta

The story of the Selecta yerba mate brand began in the city of Bella Vista, located in the southern part of Paraguay, in the Itapúa department. The brand was created by EBSA – Empresa Brasileira de Sementes de Alimentos S.A. – and has become one of Paraguay’s most recognized yerba mate brands.

The company was founded by Reinaldo Brönstrup, of German origin, and his wife, Malvina Bohn. In 1940, they established their first yerba mate plantation in Bella Vista. Initially, production was small-scale but soon expanded.

The couple launched the Selecta brand in 1950 and began full-scale processing of yerba mate, including cultivation, harvesting, drying, and packaging. The company’s motto is: “We sow with passion, we harvest life.”

Selecta’s plantations and processing facilities are located in Bella Vista, often referred to as Paraguay’s yerba mate capital.

The yerba mate is dried using the traditional barbacuá method, in which the leaves are smoke-dried, resulting in a distinct smoky flavor. The leaves are then aged for 2 years to achieve the desired flavor profile.

The Selecta brand is closely connected to Paraguayan culture and traditions. The company’s mission is to preserve and promote the Guaraní heritage and way of life through the consumption of mate tea.

10 situations where we recommend using mate tea

Interesting facts about mate tea

Yerba mate is made from the dried leaves of the evergreen tree Ilex paraguariensis. It is especially popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil, where it is an essential part of daily routines and social life.

The yerba mate plant was considered sacred by the Guarani people of South America, who believed it to be a divine gift that provides strength, alertness, and health.

In traditional mate drinking, the beverage is shared from one cup, symbolizing friendship, trust, and equality. There is always a “mate master” in the group who refills the hot water and takes care of the others.

In Argentina, more than 90% of the population consumes yerba mate regularly, and it is a common sight in schools, workplaces, and parks.

In the warm climates of Paraguay and parts of Brazil, mate is prepared with ice-cold water, often with fresh mint or lemon juice, making it both energizing and refreshing in the summer.

Mate contains not only caffeine but also other stimulants – such as theobromine – that enhance mental performance, focus, and memory. For this reason, many people drink it to improve concentration during studying or work.

Main active components of yerba mate

• Caffeine: stimulating, but causes less nervousness than coffee
• Theobromine and theophylline: mild stimulants that also support cardiovascular health
• Antioxidants: contains more polyphenols than green tea
• Vitamins and minerals: B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, etc.

7 positive health effects of mate tea

Mate slightly reduces appetite and boosts metabolism, making it ideal for weight-loss diets. It can be consumed while following keto, low-carb, or paleo diets.

1. Natural stimulant

The combination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline increases alertness, focus, and mental performance without causing a sudden “caffeine crash.” It improves mood and reduces fatigue.

2. Supports cognitive function

Stimulates brain activity, making it helpful during studying, long work hours, or driving. Some studies suggest that regular consumption may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

3. Cardiovascular support

Improves circulation and has a mild vasodilating effect due to theobromine. Its antioxidants reduce oxidative stress, which may help prevent high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

4. High antioxidant content

Contains over 90 different polyphenols. Polyphenols slow the aging process and protect cells from various harmful effects.

5. Helps regulate body weight

Increases fat burning and boosts metabolism. Slightly suppresses appetite, making it ideal for those on a diet or fasting.

6. Supports digestion

Stimulates bile production, helping to break down fats more effectively.
Has a mild laxative effect, so it may help with constipation or digestive disorders.

7. Strengthens the immune system

Contains vitamin C, B vitamins, zinc, and manganese - all essential for maintaining a balanced immune system.