The South American plant is from South America. People use dried leaves as tea or drink. It keeps properties and nutrients. The process of enjoying it is meant to be savored over conversation. Next, we discuss how long to steep it without losing flavor.
Steeping Time
When steeping it, water temperature and type affect time. Understanding taste preferences also helps determine brew strength. Hotter water and smaller gourd mean less steeping time.
People safely drink 1-4 liters daily. Steep the plant 3-5 minutes in water under boiling temperature. You can also infuse it in other liquids.
History and Popularity
Tereré is a cold-brewed tea popular in hot parts of South America. Tereré uses cold water, sometimes with fruit juice or herbs for flavor.
It was first used by indigenous Guaraní and Tupí groups before European colonization. It is traditionally drunk in central and southern South America, especially Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.
Preparation Methods
You can make the plant tea many ways – tea strainer, tea pot, french press, coffee maker. Use 1 tablespoon leaves per 8 ounces water. Steep 3-5 minutes. Never use boiling water.
Learning to prepare the beverage takes practice. Insert filtered end of metal straw at angle into gourd. Slowly sip over hours, adding more leaves or water. Enjoy in nature with friends. Ritual and tradition matters.
Flavor and Quality
The plant is steeped in water just off the boil, around 160 to 180 degrees, similar to green tea. The boiling temperature drops about a degree for every 100 feet increase in altitude.
It tastes somewhat like green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak. To prepare, use about 1 tablespoon of leaves per cup of water. Steep for 3-5 minutes. Never use boiling water, which can make it bitter.
You can make it like any other tea – with a strainer, tea pot, french press or coffee maker. Just don’t use boiling water.
The ideal temperature highlights the flavors without making it bitter. Subtle changes to the brew temperature can really affect the quality and taste. Pour 160-180 degree water over it and let it steep for at least 2 minutes to get the full flavor.
Reusing the Leaves
You can steep the dried leaves multiple times. Typically, the first steeping lasts around 5 minutes. The following steepings are shorter. After 10 steepings, it will start to lose its flavor.
It contains about 80 mg of caffeine per cup, similar to coffee. To brew, steep the leaves in hot water for 5-6 minutes. You can reuse the leaves to make a second, stronger infusion.
It has a unique flavor. It is often drunk socially, sharing a gourd and bombilla. Each infusion releases more nutrients and flavor. The caffeine boosts energy and mental clarity.