This South American beverage has a strong earthy flavor with a mildly bitter and grassy undertone. It also gives off a eucalyptus fragrance. It is described as an acquired taste by many long-time drinkers. The cut does not affect the taste, it affects mouthfeel and body. Stems act inversely – the more stems the lighter it will be. It contains tannins contributing to the bitter taste. Some people enjoy this bitter taste, while others prefer to balance it out by adding mint, honey, sugar, milk, or citrus. When served cold, it is called tereré in Guaraní. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní and Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. This organic variant has a similar taste to green tea, giving a nice energy boost without an overenergized feeling. In Argentina 14 pounds is consumed per person annually. It provides an energy boost with less caffeine and more nutrients than coffee or tea.
How does this South American drink make you feel?
It is a plant often brewed like tea. It has a strong, earthy flavor, with nutty or smokey notes. The taste can be bitter or tobaccoey. It contains less caffeine than coffee but provides a smooth energy boost without jitters or crashing. It has shown benefits for mental health, cognitive function, fighting obesity, and more.
The gourd cup and bombilla straw are traditional serving methods. The tea is popular in parts of South America like Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil where it grows natively. The leaves are harvested and dried before being ground and brewed into an infusion.
It combines caffeine with other natural compounds like theobromine. This combination stimulates the mind and body without negative side effects experienced from coffee. People report feeling awake, focused, and happy after drinking it.
It contains similar caffeine levels to coffee. However, coffee can cause jitters, anxiety, and crashing. The adaptogenic properties lead to more sustained energy without the crash. The taste has earthy, grassy, and tobaccoey notes. It can be overwhelming initially but enjoyable over time.
What is the Flavour?
It is a tea made from the leaves of a South American plant. It has an earthy, herbal flavor. Some describe it as tasting like soil or grass. It can be mildly bitter with notes of lemon, butter, or smoke. The flavor profile changes based on the brand and preparation method. As you drink more, you may notice additional flavors like wood, nuts, or sweet peas.
While many enjoy the bitter taste, others add mint, citrus, honey, or milk to balance it out. When first trying it, don’t be surprised if you taste ash or soil. But over time, your palette will likely become accustomed to the complex flavors.
It is often consumed socially in nature. Friends share a traditional gourd and metal straw, passing them around to create bonds. The flavor and nutrients intensify with each pour of hot water during these ritual gatherings.
Iced makes for a refreshing warmer-weather drink. You can also use it in popsicles, lemonade, energy balls, and creative cocktails. Flavored varieties combine the herb with essences of fruit, mint, chamomile, and more.