He started with the big names. Amazon was the obvious first stop, a digital warehouse overflowing with yellow bags of Canarias and the classic red-and-white Cruz de Malta. The reviews were a chaotic mix of enthusiasts arguing over gourd curing methods and newcomers complaining it tasted like "liquid hay."

Finally, he stumbled upon a small boutique site called Yerba Mate Australia. They offered curated sampler packs for the "curious soul." It was perfect. He hit "checkout," the confirmation email chiming like a victory bell.

Leo stared at the blinking cursor, his caffeine-deprived brain feeling like a desert. He needed that earthy, grassy kick of yerba mate to finish his manuscript, but his local shop was out. With a sigh, he opened a new tab.