Convenient storage: yerba mate in tins

Yerba mate is a natural and healthy alternative to coffee and energy drinks, and it is also a source of many vitamins and minerals. Every yerba mate enthusiast, when stocking up on their favourite mate, would like it to retain its qualities for as long as possible. How to store yerba mate to keep it as tasty and aromatic as it was right after purchase? Yerba mate is a durable and dry product that does not require special storage conditions, but it is worth keeping a few tips in mind to ensure that its fresh taste and aroma last for a long time.

Summary:

1. What factors influence the shelf life of yerba mate?
2. Yerba mate in tins – why is it worth it?
3. What about alternatives to yerberas? Other ways to store yerba mate

What factors influence the shelf life of yerba mate?

Let’s start with the question: can yerba mate expire? On every yerba mate package, you will find an expiration date – usually two years after the production date. This is required by law, which mandates that such information must be included on every food product. It is important to distinguish between two types of information that appear on products depending on their category. Perishable products such as dairy, cakes, or meat are labelled, "Use by...". These products have a higher water content, which makes them more prone to spoilage, and consuming them after the expiration date may result in food poisoning. Durable products are labelled with "Best before…". This is a guarantee from the producer that the product will maintain its quality up to this date. After this, the quality may deteriorate, but the product won’t become unsafe to consume. This group includes "dry" products, such as coffee, tea, spices, and yerba mate. Properly stored yerba mate does not spoil immediately after the expiration date and can retain its taste and aroma much longer. Of course, this should be approached sensibly. But what factors can help preserve yerba mate's qualities for longer?

When storing yerba mate, pay attention to:

• Packaging airtightness. It is important that the packaging or the container for yerba mate is tightly sealed. Mate tea stored in packaging should have minimal contact with oxygen in the air. Oxygen contributes to the fermentation process. An improperly closed package may lead to the herbs becoming stale, resulting in a flat and uniform taste, less noticeable aromas, and the neutralisation of vitamins and minerals in the plant, making the infusion less nutritious.
• Limiting exposure to sunlight. Yerba mate should be stored in a location without direct sunlight. Sunlight heats the dry herbs, which speeds up the oxidation process, and, similar to oxygen exposure, neutralises vitamins and minerals while also muting the taste and aroma of yerba mate. Therefore, a yerba-container should be opaque and ideally placed in a cabinet to further limit light and air exposure.
• Other products with strong odours. Yerba mate’s flavour and aroma can be affected by proximity to other food products. The dried leaves easily absorb flavours and smells. While yerba mate combines well with additives like fruit, herbs, or aromas, being stored near other strongly scented products may alter its qualities, making it less enjoyable. It is worth keeping mate not only in a cabinet, but also dedicating an entire shelf for storing yerba mate and its accessories.
• Humidity. It is extremely important to prevent moisture from getting into the yerba mate container. Moist herbs not only lose their flavour and aroma quickly, as demonstrated by laboratory tests, but may even start to emit an unpleasant smell. Moist yerba mate also becomes an ideal environment for mould growth, which can be toxic to humans. Mouldy yerba mate is absolutely unfit for consumption! On the other hand, if the storage area is too dry, the herbs may flake and crumble, and their taste and aroma will gradually diminish. It’s vital to maintain an optimal humidity level in the storage area for yerba mate.
• Temperature. Research conducted on classic yerba mate samples has shown that ambient temperature does not significantly affect sensory quality deterioration. However, this is crucial when storing finely ground yerba mate chimarrão. The advantage of this Brazilian yerba mate type is its vibrant green colour and freshness. Chimarrão is usually vacuum-packed to preserve its qualities, but after opening, it may quickly lose its fresh taste and aroma. Open chimarrão packs, in addition to being tightly sealed, are often best stored in a refrigerator to prolong freshness slightly.

Now that we know the rules for storing yerba mate, what container is best for storing it? If you quickly consume a pack, it doesn’t matter much whether you leave it in the original packaging or transfer it to another container. However, if you only drink mate tea occasionally, investing in a good-quality, airtight, and convenient container for yerba mate is worthwhile.

Yerba mate in tins – why is it worth it?

The yerbera is a container designed to store yerba mate, meant to protect the herbs from losing their aroma. In South America, yerba mate containers come in the form of tins, decorative jars with lids, hard bags made of leather, and wooden boxes equipped with dispensers at the bottom. In Europe, yerberas are usually available as metal tins. Yerba mate tins are an excellent solution for several reasons – they are practical and look great. The tins are made of high-quality metal, protecting yerba mate from losing its aroma and absorbing moisture. The top-opening lid allows you to easily refill the tin with another yerba mate once supplies run out. An added advantage is the dispenser, which makes it easy to pour mate into your gourd without accidentally spilling or wasting any herbs. The dispenser also helps you measure the amount of yerba mate needed. The convenience and aesthetic appeal make a yerba mate tin a gadget any mate lover will appreciate! It is also a fantastic way to take your favourite yerba on a holiday trip! Its optimal size and capacity ensure it doesn’t take up much space in your luggage, and a tin should hold enough mate tea for your entire holiday.

Our online store offers a wide range of yerba mate in tins. Our yerberas can hold up to half a kilogram of yerba mate. All tins feature incredible designs, making storage not only convenient but also visually appealing. Remember, the tins available in our store are never empty! Each one comes with half a kilogram of delicious, aromatic yerba mate. Among our products, you can find tins from Verde Mate Green, Soul Mate, Yaguar, and Guarani brands. The range of flavours is very wide and includes everything from classic yerba mates to flavoured ones and even herbs for making tereré. If you haven’t chosen your yerba mate tin yet, we strongly encourage you – try it, and you’ll see it’s truly an excellent solution!

What about alternatives to yerberas? Other ways to store yerba mate

Yerberas are undoubtedly the best solution for storing yerba mate. They are convenient and handy, and the dispenser they are equipped with is a true quality-of-life hack. However, if you don’t yet have a specially designed yerbera, there's nothing stopping you from transferring mate into another container. A large glass jar, a tin from regular tea, or a plastic container can work just as well. It is important that the container is airtight, and remember to clean and dry it thoroughly to prevent moisture and odours from other products from contaminating the herbs. If the container is transparent, paint it with dark paint or label it to keep sunlight out.

Sources of information:

1. S. Surkan, O. Albani, L. Ramallo, Influence of storage conditions on sensory shelf life of yerba mate, Journal of Food Quality, 2009.