Canarias is one of the popular brands from Uruguay, known for its strong flavor and finely ground tea leaves. Although it’s an Uruguayan brand, the production process actually takes place in Brazil, by Baldo S.A. in Rio Grande do Sul, a region near the Uruguay border, ideal for cultivating high-quality yerba mate. This is the key advantage of the Canarias brand.
Canarias is a brand renowned for its strong flavor, beloved by Uruguayans and yerba mate drinkers worldwide.
The traditional Canarias has a strong, distinct aroma with earthy notes, complemented by hints of dried plum, dry wood, and hay. A light smoky scent, resulting from its smoked production process, adds depth to the tea. When brewed with hot water, a sweet fragrance and a nutty flavor emerge, making it even more enjoyable to drink.
The first sip of Canarias has a strong impact, with earthy flavors mixed with dry hay and fresh grass. Its intensity is noticeably different from Argentine yerba mate. Initially, the flavor is bold, but as you continue sipping, it becomes smoother and more balanced. With each sip, the flavor deepens, becoming richer and more complex, with a subtle hint of roasted nuts emerging.
The aftertaste is smooth with a mild bitterness, which is typical of strong teas. There’s no harshness or astringency, just earthy and roasted flavors lingering on the palate. The bitterness fades quickly, leaving behind a light, soft tea taste.
Canarias has a finely ground texture, typical of Uruguayan yerba mate. Most of the tea leaves are greenish-yellow, with some brownish leaves mixed in. It has a powdery texture similar to Brazil’s Erva Mate, but the tea leaves are relatively light in color due to the shorter aging process of just 4-6 months.
In Argentina, yerba mate typically contains both leaves and stems, and the color is darker due to a longer aging process (6 to 12 months). The longer the aging period, the smoother the flavor becomes, with a decrease in the green, grassy notes.
Since Canarias is finely ground, it’s recommended to use a good-quality bombilla with a small filter hole to prevent clogging. While drinking, you may need to gently push the tea leaves with the bombilla to ensure the water flows smoothly through the straw.
The traditional Canarias has a strong, earthy flavor that offers a unique drinking experience. It has a bold, slightly grassy taste with finely ground tea, making it suitable for those who have been drinking yerba mate for a while. If you enjoy a stronger tea, this is worth trying. However, for beginners, this might be a bit too intense.
While Canarias may not be an everyday choice for some, it’s a must-try for those looking to experience something new. If you enjoy strong-flavored tea, this one won’t disappoint. Not only does it have a rich taste, but it also provides a high energy boost that keeps you alert for a longer time, making you feel more invigorated. For beginners who want to try it, be prepared for its intensity.
Smoke-Free
Aged for 4-6 months
Without Stems
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25g of yerba mate with 500ml hot water using the traditional method
