Shelf Life
But how long do those stimulating properties actually stick around?
The shelf life depends on storage. It can generally last 1-2 years stored properly in a cool, dry place. Check it for signs of spoilage like musty smell, discoloration or taste change.
This South American infusion can last months in the fridge in an airtight container. It can be frozen but store it airtight.
Duration of Effects
Its effects on energy can last minutes to hours depending on consumption. Feeling stimulated is felt within minutes. Effects may fade after 2 hours but depend on amount consumed and tolerance.
Avoid overdiffusing tea leaves to get the most from your drink. Overdiffusing can make it bitter and lose stimulating properties faster.
- Warm up mate by pouring water directly on straw. This prevents dry yerba from getting wet.
- Mate type is key.
This herbal beverage eyes pressure due to caffeine, occurring in 30 minutes, lasting at least 90 minutes. It may lower heart disease risk due to antioxidant compounds.
Drink 2-3 beverages at most per day, lasting through the afternoon. Avoid evening drinking, especially if caffeine sensitive.
Proper Storage
Stored properly in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture, it can last 1-2 years. Check for signs of spoilage like odor, color change or taste change. Discard if present.
With proper cleaning and maintenance, yerba mate bulbs typically last for several months before needing replacement.
The simplest storage method is keeping it in its original airtight container in a low temperature, dry, dark place away from temperature shifts.
To make it last longer when sharing: For the first mates, pour water directly on the straw to warm it and prevent the dry yerba from getting wet. The type of yerba also impacts longevity.
Signs of Freshness
Look: It should be olive green with a matte sheen. Feel: It should feel buoyant and pliant. Smell: It should smell toasty, green, earthy and mildly sweet.
Store it properly or it can lose flavor and grow mold.
Health Effects
The effects can help maintain balanced sleep cycles. It has anti-oxidant properties. It can be taken at any time.
It’s commonly consumed all day, though not always recommended before bed.
The most common way to drink it is continuous sipping for hours, adding more leaves or water as needed. It’s often enjoyed socially in nature.
Here is the process for preparing yerba mate at home: Put two teaspoons in a mate, then cover it with one hand and turn it upside down. Shake the container to mix the herb. After this procedure, some powder will remain on your hand that you will throw away. The most common way of drinking it is to continuously sip it, for several hours and adding more leaves pr water as necessary. Each steep releases more flavor and nutrients, so this really is a drink you can pull on all day.
Recommended Amount
So How Much should you drink? Avoid constant consumption, 2 – 3 beverages at most, lasting through to the late afternoon. Avoid drinking during the evening, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
Refilling
How often do you need to refill it?
To prepare it, fill a gourd or cup two-thirds full with the dried leaves then shake to remove any powder. Add a small amount of cold water to protect nutrients before pouring in hot water around 60-65°C. Use a special straw with a filter called a bombilla to drink the infusion.
The leaves can be refilled with hot water 5-30 times until the flavor is gone.
Comparison to Coffee
Drinking too much can cause irritability and sleep issues due to the caffeine. The stimulant effect is softer and longer-lasting than coffee. It is less dehydrating than coffee.
Cultural Context
In Argentina, it is consumed by 90% of households. People often drink it in the mornings or evenings, hot in winter or cold in summer. Sharing mate is an important tradition.