Can you drink the tea long term?
It is a tea made from the dried leaves of a South American holly plant. It contains caffeine and can be served hot or cold. The tea is a common social and cultural drink in many Latin American countries. It’s often consumed in the morning or throughout the day from a shared gourd using a special straw.
The typical caffeine content is around 78 mg per cup, which is less than coffee but more than most teas. Drinking 1-2 liters daily over long periods may increase cancer risk. However, a daily cup containing 3 grams of leaves is likely safe for up to 12 weeks.
The tea can help with digestion, cholesterol, weight loss, heart health, and inflammation. But more research is still needed to confirm these potential health benefits. Proper storage in an airtight container in a cool, dry place can extend the shelf life up to 1-2 years. It develops a musty smell or change in taste when spoiled.
Brewing Instructions
How long should I brew it?
Brewing time depends on water temperature. Ideal temperature is 160-180°F (71-82°C). Use 1-2 tablespoons leaves per cup of water.
- Brew the tea in a coffee maker by adding one tablespoon per cup into a filter. Don’t overfill as leaves expand when wet.
- The French press lets you adjust strength by using different amounts of leaves and steeping 1-3 minutes.
Tereré is cold brewed tea, popular in hot regions for its refreshing qualities. It’s made by steeping leaves in cold water, sometimes with fruit juice added.
Storage
Store the herb in an airtight container in the fridge for months or freeze it to prevent odor absorption. Discard if smelling musty, changes color, or tastes off.
Drink 2-3 beverages spaced throughout the day. Its nutrients require long term use for noticeable health effects.
Shelf Life
It is an herb native to South America. It was known as an herb “from the gods”. South Americans safely drink 1-4 liters per day. In other regions it’s common for an avid drinker to consume 1-2 liters per day.
When drinking from a gourd or mug, refill as needed until the flavor is gone. Check for signs of spoilage like musty smell, discoloration or taste change before reusing. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, it can improve with age over several years. Aged leaves has a yellow hue and matte sheen.
Overbrewing
There are various methods of preparing it. A popular method involves using a hollowed gourd and metal straw called a bombilla. Another method is cold brewing, where room temperature water is added to the leaves and refrigerated overnight.
When brewing, use the right amount for optimal flavor. As a guide, it should reach about halfway up the brewing vessel. Too much can overpower the flavor, while too little will produce weak tea. The ideal brewing time ranges from 3-5 minutes. Allowing the leaves to steep longer makes an overly strong, bitter tea.