Taste origins
The South American beverage is bitter due to several factors.
- First, it’s raw, green leaf steeped in hot water.
- Second, it’s got antioxidants which add bitterness.
- Third, it contains caffeine, a very bitter element.
Leaf quality
The quality of the leaves plays a role in determining the taste. Higher-quality leaves are less bitter.
Brewing temperature
The optimal temperature for brewing is 150°F for 5 minutes. The bitterness is connected with high tannin content.
Some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts over long periods may be at increased cancer risk.
It has a distinctive taste that, like coffee, requires adjusting to.
It’s best drunk with water below boiling point.
Flavor profile
In general, mate is more bitter, bold and tobaccoey than green tea with effects of coffee.
Guayaki yerba mate is smooth, gives an energy boost without overenergizing. Guayaki is an eco-conscious company.
Compared to matcha, yerba mate has a bolder, more bitter flavor that may not suit everyone.
Some describe it as tasting like grass or soil with a slightly bitter aftertaste. As you continue drinking, you may notice nutty, smokey, or tobaccoey notes.
Bitterness
The taste comes primarily from tannins that make it naturally bitter. Many enjoy this flavor, while others add mint, honey, milk or citrus to balance the bitterness.
While the taste may seem unpleasant at first, the South American drink is an acquired taste like wine or coffee. When served cold, the drink is called tereré.
The taste is strong, bitter and vegetal. It has a eucalyptus scent some find unsettling at first. The flavor is not to everyone’s liking. But many fans have developed a strong appreciation for its unique qualities.
For hot tea, try honey; it will dissolve, leaving a floral sweetness behind. For iced mate, try making a simple syrup to sweeten the tea.
Sweeteners
Although yerba mate is naturally bitter, many prefer to sweeten their mate by adding sugar, honey or sweetener during brewing.
Everyone makes “mate dulce” according to tastes and preferences.
Caffeine content
At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. Those who regularly consume mate rave that it enhances alertness like coffee without jittery side effects.
Yerba mate tea is an infusion, it does not contain actual tea leaves. It’s best to drink it with water not at boiling point. What does Yerba Mate Taste Like? It has earthy flavor with grassy, mildly bitter undertone. It also has eucalyptus scent.
It is grown abundantly in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
How to Brew Yerba Mate
Ingredients
Add 1-2 TBS yerba mate to a French press or strainer. Moisten with cool water. Add 8 oz 170°F water. Steep 5 minutes and strain.
You will feel body and mind stimulation after drinking yerba mate. In Coffeedesk you will find everything to start with mate.
I encourage you to try and take advantage of benefits offered by drinking the infusion. Brewing is a nice ritual that is stimulating yet relaxing.
The plant is native to South America and popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile.
Equipment
There are 4 main components:
- Gourd: The basic cup is made from a gourd.
It’s made from steeping leaves in hot water, but there are more steps that set mate apart. Mate is meant to be enjoyed slowly with people you care about. Brewing leaves with reverence this traditional practice deserves, makes the experience special.