La Merced Yerba Mate

La Merced yerba mate is the high-end luxury brand of the Argentinian powerhouse yerba producer Las Marias. Las Marias has been producing yerba mate since 1924. It operates a strict policy of high level quality control while at the same time protecting the rights of workers.

The plantation and factory are located in Misiones where the earth is very mineral rich. This causes the earth to appear bright red in colour. There is only one small region in the world where this is the case and Misiones makes up part of that region. So yerba mate only grows in this region and it is why mate is so full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

La Merced yerba mate is of very high quality. Yerba from the pick of the crop is blended with wild, shade grown yerba from various regions to produce interesting infusions. Strict quality control and audit of outsourced yerba ensures the highest quality yerba is produced. La Merced is packed in foil bags for freshness and then in attractive presentation boxes with tamper protection. Customers who buy La Merced yerba mate can rely on the quality associated with this brand and always recommend La Merced.

Yerba Mate

The tradition of drinking yerba mate is such an important part of the South American culture that it can't be forgotten. This is specifically true in Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. Although in addition it is also enjoyed in other South American countries. Typically, yerba mate is drunk from a natural gourd (a hollowed out fruit) used as a cup. The resulting infusion is then sipped through a metal straw known as a bombilla that has a filtered end to separate the infusion from the yerba leaves. Groups of friends and family traditionally get together to chat and enjoy mate together.

Any visitor to Argentina and especially Uruguay will have noticed that people everywhere are drinking yerba mate. Many people drink yerba mate because of its high content of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Others drink yerba mate because of the social aspect of sharing the brew with friends. Others drink yerba mate because they simply enjoy the taste!

Full photo instructions will be provided with any purchase of loose leaf yerba. So there is no excuse not to brew the perfect yerba mate! If you get it right, your yerba will always taste great, and last twice as long. Most of all, practice makes perfect!

Products

La Merced produces several blends:

• Original de Campo is produced using yerbas that have adapted to new environments. They grow in meadows and on the red hills of Corrientes.
• La Merced de Monte is produced from plants born in areas of lush, natural forests. As a result this variety has a vigorous and wild personality. Abundant rains, the richness of the earth and the high temperatures of the subtropical jungle give the yerba mate an intense flavour. It has slight bitter undertones of pleasant wild spirit.
• La Merced Barbacua takes is name from the artisanal drying process in “barbacua” derived from the primitive techniques used by the Guarani Indians. This consists of a slow and dedicated process. Leaves are exposed to the heat of the fire of wood for 24 hours. As a result this impresses on the yerba a robust personality and a refined smoked flavor. Sometimes described as rich and chocolaty this yerba is a UruShop house favourite