Item# LHYERB028G Green yerba mate leaves, cut and sifted. It makes a great tea that's often drunk as a coffee substitute for that extra kick in the morning. Traditional methods for imbibing mate involve drinking the tea from a gourd-bowl through a bombilla. This filters the tea as it is consumed. Similar to coffee, milk and sugar are often added. ALL OF OUR DRIED HERBS ARE KEPT IN AIR TIGHT CONTAINERS AND AWAY FROM LIGHT TO PRESERVE THEIR FRESHNESS. When shipped to you, they are immediately repacked in zip-lock bags. You should know that zip-lock bags are not 100% air tight, but they are sufficient for the short time they are in transit. After they arrive, to maintain freshness, we recommend storing the herbs in an air tight container in a cool dry area away from light.