The new yerba mate straight from sunny Argentina. Meet Rio Parana!

Do we have any lovers of Argentinian yerba mate here? A totally new brand, straight from sunny Argentina – Rio Parana – has its premiere today! The taste of tradition, the richness of the Guarani Indian culture and the tranquillity of the Argentinian idyll have been enclosed in aesthetically designed packaging. Are you curious what kind of yerba mate is hidden under the colourful Rio Parana logo? We invite you to read today's premiere blog post and try the Argentinian novelty!

Rio Parana - in tribute to Argentina's yerba mate tradition

Although today is the first time the Rio Parana brand comes out, making its debut on the yerba mate market, it has grown out of a tradition nurtured over hundreds of years and the experience of the best Argentine masters of growing and processing Ilex paraguariensis. It was created in Misiones, a province located in the north-east of Argentina – at the meeting point of three countries, in the Río Paraná basin. This location is not without significance. It was here that centuries ago there were settlements of the Guarani Indians, who were the first to discover the miraculous properties of yerba mate. They learned how to care for the plant and prepare the magical brew from it. They passed on their knowledge to the Jesuits who came from overseas. Today, the power of yerba mate is known all over the world and more and more people appreciate it!

How is Rio Parana yerba mate made and how does it taste?

As we have already mentioned, at the heart of the Rio Parana brand is the Argentine yerba mate tradition. Ilex paraguariensis grows on the plantation, where it is looked after by experienced workers who take care of every tiny leaf and twig and know exactly what the plants need to produce the most fruitful harvest. Once the holly leaves are ripe, they are harvested by hand and selected with the utmost care so that only the best quality plants are sent for further processing. The harvested leaves and twigs are dried using smoke in three stages: first quickly at a very high temperature (around 600°C), then a little longer at 200°C and finally, around three hours, at 100-120°C. The dried leaves and twigs are crushed into smaller pieces and packed in bags, where they “rest” for many months, acquiring their nobility and unique character. The seasoning stage lasts between 9 and 24 months. After this time, the dry product is ground again, combined with additives and finally arrives in the packet and then on the virtual shelves of our shop. Traditional Argentine yerba mate consists of medium-sized, pale green leaves, a clearly visible amount of twigs and dust. It smells herbal, its aroma reminiscent of dried leaves and fresh hay. It smells smoky and of the hot Argentine sun. The taste is unique – slightly bitter and astringent, yet spreads gently across the palate. We are sure that it will appeal to both advanced mateists and those who are just at the beginning of their yerba mate adventure!

A choice of flavours for everyone

A return to tradition is one of the main distinctive points of the Rio Parana brand. The other is maximum simplicity. The aim of Rio Parana's founders was to create products with simple, uncomplicated compositions in which the natural, excellent qualities of yerba mate come to the fore. Although the brand has presented us with several flavour offerings for the launch, the composition of each is very simple. The ingredients that appear alongside the yerba mate are merely additives designed to subtly enhance the flavour and aroma of the holly, rather than drowning it out. In addition to the two classic, unadulterated products: the traditional Elaborada (with twigs and dust) and Despalada (without twigs and dust), there is a choice of four harmoniously composed flavour variations: the herbal Silueta, which is sure to appeal to body-conscious people, Energia with an extra boost of guarana, orange Naranja and lemon Limon. We personally liked each of them very much. We hope you also love the Rio Parana offerings. We highly recommend them!