Yerba Mate (Roasted) in Bulk?

[heatwaves]

Yerba Mate (Roasted) in Bulk?

by heatwaves » Nov 11th, '09, 21:48

Does anyone know of an affordable site or brand of roasted Yerba Mate?

Sites like yerbamate.us have green yerba mate in bulk (i.e. 1 kilo) for about $5, but they don't seem to have any roasted varieties/brands. Is roasted mate just unpopular in South America? I like the roasted mate from Specialteas, but I don't want to pay American prices (i.e. $20-25 per kilo).

Thanks!

[Chip]

Re: Yerba Mate (Roasted) in Bulk?

by Chip » Nov 11th, '09, 21:51

Just curious, is it possible to roast your own? I roast a lot of "tea." It is pretty fun actually, and the rewards are in the cup.

[judyw]

Re: Yerba Mate (Roasted) in Bulk?

by judyw » Nov 21st, '09, 13:41

I'd love to hear how you roast your teas. Do you use your oven at home?

[Chip]

Re: Yerba Mate (Roasted) in Bulk?

by Chip » Nov 21st, '09, 18:10

Pretty many ways and no one correct way.

I have a pan dedicated for this use, over high heat and keeping the grains moving for around 5-10 minutes.

A hot air popcorn popper does a good job and is easy. Around 5 minutes.

You can do it in an oven as well, spreading them out over a cookie sheet or similar. This might be the hardest method to roast perfectly.

[Terrasi]

Re: Yerba Mate (Roasted) in Bulk?

by Terrasi » Nov 27th, '09, 19:56

I'm also interested in bulk mate. While working at Teavana I got sort of hooked on the stuff while I had a huge discount. I can't afford those ridiculous prices now.