Production
This South American beverage is made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, a type of holly native to South America. The leaves are harvested year-round and dried to make the infusion, which is brewed similar to tea.
The traditional method of preparing the drink uses a gourd and metal straw called a bombilla. First, the gourd is filled halfway with leaves. The bombilla is inserted into the leaves. Cold water is poured into the gourd to moisten the leaves, then poured out. Hot water (not boiling) is poured back in and the mate is ready to drink. The bombilla filters the particles as you sip.
It has a rich, earthy flavor with hints of tobacco and oak. It contains caffeine, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds. The caffeine content is similar to a cup of coffee, around 80mg per serving.
This beverage is meant to be slowly enjoyed in the company of others. The ritual of preparing and sharing mate is an important social experience.
Effects
This South American beverage is made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant native to subtropical South America. It contains caffeine, theobromine, and antioxidants. It provides healthy stimulation as it has about as much caffeine as green tea. Its caffeine content is similar to coffee but does not make the drinker jittery.
It is often shared socially in many South American countries where it is enjoyed among friends and family. The drink is prepared by steeping dried leaves and twigs in hot water then consumed through a special straw called a bombilla which filters out loose leaves.
Compared to coffee and green tea, it provides stimulation without crashes later. Its long-term health benefits are like black tea although the polyphenol content differs. Potential benefits include reduced fatigue, increased athletic performance, lower blood sugar in diabetics, and immune system boosting. Too much caffeine may cause side effects so moderation is advised.
Preparation Tips
-
Fill the gourd approximately two-thirds full with leaves. Make sure to gently shake or tilt the gourd to distribute the finer and coarser leaves evenly. Insert the bombilla into the gourd. Pour hot water (80 – 100 degree F), but avoid getting the dry leaves to the side wet. Drink until you hear slurping noises. Refill, pass to a friend, enjoy.
-
It’s also a social beverage. If you partake with a group, there’s just one gourd and one designated pourer. Hot water is poured and the gourd is passed to the first person who drinks the entire thing. The simplest method for many is to treat it like any other loose tea; steep it in hot water and then filter out the leaves before drinking. The ideal brewing temperature is approximately 170°F(77°C).
-
Avoid drinking it in the evening. And while it does contain caffeine, it also has other compounds that provide a balanced effect. The temperature of your hot water should be just below boiling (between 170°F and 205°F). Experiment with different steeping times between 1 to 3 minutes to find the best tea for your liking.
Ingredients
The key ingredient is the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis, a native South American holly tree. The leaves are traditionally harvested, dried, aged, and ground into a coarse powder. It is prepared by filling a hollow gourd up to three-quarters with the leaves. Then hot water is added. It tastes somewhat like green tea with tobacco and oak hints.
Yerba mate leaves contain antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, E, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese. These nutrients offer health benefits like immune system support and mental focus. The caffeine-like mateine also provides an energy boost.
It is often enjoyed socially while sharing one gourd and bombilla. The gourd gets passed around, creating a bond between gathered friends. It can be sipped continuously for hours by adding more hot water and leaves as needed. Each infusion releases more nutrients and flavor.
To quickly prepare it, brew it like tea in a French press. Add three spoonfuls of leaves and cover with cold water first to protect nutrients. Then pour in hot water and let steep two minutes before pressing. The Cruz de Malta brand has a delicious natural sweetness without added sugar. Its vitamins, antioxidants and minerals increase energy and concentration without the caffeine crash you may get from coffee.