This South American tea is from the mate plant popular there. It has less caffeine than coffee but contains other stimulants. The leaves steep into a light green tea with an earthy, herbal flavor reminiscent of freshly cut grass.
It is not actually a tea or coffee, but a holly plant native to South America with leaves that are steeped to make a caffeinated drink. In some regions it is more popular than coffee. Wild mate is most desirable because it lacks chemicals. Organic mate is also worth the slightly higher price for health.
It needs about 3 years growth before first harvest, like the tea plant. It is a predominant South American drink and the national drink of several countries. Although different plants, mate and tea share great potential.
It is not derived from the tea plant Camellia Sinensis. It is from a different plant and part of the world. Consumers realize South America produces more than just coffee.
The leaves can be steeped to make mate or tereré. The infusion is prepared by filling a gourd with dry leaves and twigs then adding hot water. It contains caffeine.
It is one of few plants that naturally contain caffeine. It makes a great herbal alternative to coffee whether hot or cold. The highest quality mate grows shaded in the rainforest canopy away from sunlight to retain more nutrients and flavor.
Does it grow in the US?
This evergreen Holly grows in South America. It thrives in subtropical climates with high humidity and temperatures between 20-30° Celsius. The countries that traditionally drink mate are Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Syria and Lebanon. Friends in South America gather and drink mate. Mate can be prepared using hot water, cold water, or lemonade. It has an earthy, slightly bitter taste.
The plant takes five years to mature. It grows best in rich, acidic soil with good drainage. It is difficult to cultivate in North America because it requires very specific climate conditions to thrive.
It contains caffeine and tannins similar to tea and coffee. It provides a buzz without jitteriness or crashes. The South American tea is an adaptogen, helping the body regulate its systems. It has numerous health benefits and has been used medicinally by indigenous tribes for centuries.
What does it do to your body?
This caffeinated tea provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems. It is similar to nutrients found in tea that promote a sense of calm. Gram for gram, the South American drink has about as much caffeine as green tea.
It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It contains chlorogenic acid and xanthines. These compounds act as stimulants. They include caffeine and theobromine, which are also found in tea, coffee, and chocolate. With a perfect balance between its energy and nutritional properties, mate is a wonderful all-around tea with numerous health benefits.
Does it give you a buzz?
This herbal tea from South America contains caffeine and stimulates the nervous system like coffee and tea. It is most commonly consumed as an energy booster. It provides a gentle, clean, and calm energy boost compared to other commonly used stimulants.
It originated in northern Argentina, eastern Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It has been consumed by indigenous peoples in South America for centuries as a natural energizer. Today it remains part of traditional culture in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay while growing in popularity worldwide.