The standard serving size is around 50 grams. Using too little can result in a weak drink, while using too much can make it too strong and bitter. Finding the right balance is key.
The herb is typically brewed using 10 grams per cup of water. This amount allows for extraction of its beneficial compounds without overpowering the flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons per cup depending on preference and gourd size. Test different ratios over time to find what works best.
- With a tea strainer instead of a gourd, use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water. At this ratio, you can get around 250 servings from one kilo, lasting over half a year.
Caffeine Content
A cup contains about 70 mg of caffeine on average, compared to 120 mg in coffee. It has less caffeine than black or green tea.
Some avid drinkers consume 1–2 liters daily. Most people never consider how much coffee to drink—the herb is much like mint or oregano. It appears to be adaptogenic.
Brewing Instructions
- Treat it like any other loose tea; steep it around 170°F. Using boiling water produces an inferior, bitter beverage.
- Add it to a French press and let sit for minutes to brew. This is a simple way to prepare it.
- The ideal brewing temperature is 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid boiling water, which makes it taste bitter.
- The simplest method for many is to treat it like any other loose tea; steep it in hot water and then filter out the leaves before drinking.
- You can make it just how you make any other tea. Whether it be with a tea strainer, tea pot, french press, or even a coffee maker, these are all viable options. Simply use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water, let it steep for 3-5 minutes, and you’re ready to go.
- With a French press, you can easily adjust the strength of the tea by choosing how much loose leaf you use and how long you let it steep. Experiment with different amounts and steeping times between 1 to 3 minutes to find out which method gives the best tea for your liking.
- The proportions are not exact, but to have an idea, the desired thing is that it reaches exactly the half of the mate.
- In case you do not follow these steps, what will happen is that the amount you put is not enough, or otherwise, too much. Once again, this will only diminish or worsen the taste.
It is an herb like oregano and mint. The earth has many consumable herbs we enjoy without hesitation. It may be an adaptogen. Much speculation exists about whether it causes cancer. But currently no proof shows drinking it causes cancer. However, drinking large amounts of very hot liquids may lead to esophageal cancer over time. Avoid consuming it at high temperatures.
It has many healthy compounds. But too much of anything is rarely good.
Most people enjoy it socially in nature. Sharing one gourd creates a bond.
The amount you drink daily depends on your tolerance. Some drink 1-2 liters daily. But avoid late evening consumption if sensitive to caffeine.
Drinking is an enjoyable experience. On average, most people use 2-3 tablespoons per cup. Personal preference plays a big role in determining the amount per cup. If you decide to brew with a tea strainer instead of a gourd and bombilla, then you can get a total of around 250 servings from just one kilo! Below are instructions for brewing: Put the leaves in a tea filter in boiling water and leave them to infuse for a few minutes. Treat it like any other loose tea; steep it in approximately 170°F(77°C) water and then filter out the leaves before drinking. It is made by steeping dried leaves in hot water. It tastes somewhat like green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak.