This post may contain affiliate links and we earn a commission if you buy after clicking on our links.

Kraus Yerba Mate Review – Organic and Non-Smoked

Share this post:

Whether you are new to yerba mate or just looking for a unique product with an interesting taste, Kraus organic mate is must try. Produced in Argentina by the Kraus family company, it is cultivated in harmony with nature.

Read this review and find out what sets this mate tea apart from other Argentine mates and makes it so special!

Kraus Organic Yerba Mate

  • Price: click here to check price on Amazon
  • Amount: 1 lb (0,5 kilo)
  • Type: Organic Yerba Mate
  • Taste: Grassy, Fresh
  • Origin: Posadas, Misiones, Argentina
  • Recommended for: All who like a fresh-tasting high-quality mate

The Story of Kraus Family and Yerba Mate

Francisco Kraus emigrated to Las Misiones, Argentina in the late 19th century. One of his 8 children, Francisco José Kraus, started farming yerba mate and tea plants.

He and his two sons, Román and Juan, continued cultivating yerba mate and over time, bought more land to extend their farming area.

The Kraus family grew their yerba mate plants by following traditional methods and organic principles.

In 1997, Milton Kraus, a son of Juan, started the process of getting their products organic certificates. Together with his siblings Gino and Romina he also started creating a brand that could be marketed globally.

Today the Kraus family business is also part of the Yerba Mate Route – an experience that allows you to dive deep into the culture of yerba mate. It is a 1000 kilometer long course from Misiones to Corrientes that includes activities such as visiting yerba mate plantations, yerba mate tasting, horseback riding, hiking and more.

kraus yerba mate farm
Juan Kraus working at the plantation

Production and Cut

Kraus yerba mate is produced amidst the natural beauty of the jungle using sustainable methods to ensure soil conservation and long-term fertility for future generations. No herbicides, pesticides, or artificial fertilizers are used in the cultivation.

The plants are harvested by hand, and a unique drying system, invented by Juan Kraus, is used.

This system allows a smoke-free drying process which is an important part of giving Kraus mate its distinctive and delicate flavor and aroma. The sorting and packaging of the product are done in a modern facility under strict quality control.

Kraus yerba mate is USDA Organic and Fair Trade certified, which means that you can be sure that child labor has not been used and the workers receive a fair wage. In addition, the Kraus workers get a percentage of the company’s profits that will be used for a purpose that they commonly decide.

The cut of Kraus mate is a typical Argentine cut with a balanced blend of leaves, palos (stems), and finer powder. It has a nice green color that is a bit different from the usual due to its smoke-free drying method.

Kraus mate cut
Kraus mate has a balanced cut

Preparation

The recommended water temperature for preparing Kraus mate (on the package and on their website) is 80°C or 176°F. This is a higher temperature than I normally use.

After experimenting with different temperatures I noticed that I prefer using a lower temperature (about 65°C or 150°F) because this way the taste is more smooth.

However, this is a matter of personal preference. When using a lower temperature you can let it steep for a moment and let the taste infuse properly before drinking it.

This mate has a medium cycle and allows you to refill the gourd for 15 to 20 times before losing its flavor. After the first few cycles, the taste gets quickly milder and more grassy.

If you are looking for a bolder mate with a longer cycle, you can try Kraus Gaucho, which is also an excellent product.

If you need more information about preparing yerba mate you can find it here.

Aroma and Taste

Because it has been dried without smoking, this organic yerba mate has a fresh, sweet, and grassy aroma. I find it very pleasant and a nice change for the typical bold and smoky Argentine mate.

Kraus mate has a medium-body and features a unique and refreshing taste with some grassy notes.

The taste is very clean and surprisingly close to a certain type of green tea. The finish is quite short and leaves a slightly bitter and lemony after taste.

Misiones Argentina
Misiones, Argentina

Effect

The effect of this yerba mate is energizing yet very smooth and balanced. It takes a while to kick in and lasts for a long time.

The feeling that I get after drinking Kraus mate is active, focused, but at the same time relaxed.

In my experience, this is a great mate to be consumed throughout the day. Today I started my day with some Kraus mate followed by a surfing session. After that, I had some breakfast and started working. However, after working for some time I started to feel a bit tired and was not very productive.

I had some more of this tasty mate, took a 20-minute rest, and started working feeling recharged and productive again!

Kraus Yerba Mate Review

If you want a high-quality organic yerba mate with a fresh taste and non-smoky flavor, Kraus yerba mate is a great choice. Even if you normally enjoy the bold and smoky Argentine mate, I recommend getting some Kraus mate to add variety to your stock.

It is also an excellent choice when considering the environmental and ethical point of view.

Please post a comment below and tell me how you like Kraus organic yerba mate. Feel free to post questions as well.

Looking for more great yerba mate products? You can find many reviews on this site, so go ahead and check them out as well!


Share this post:

Leave a Comment