This tea made from a small evergreen bush native to southern South America is very popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile.
Preparation
To prepare it traditionally, you need a gourd, a metal straw (called a bombilla), leaves, and hot water. Put leaves in the gourd. Add hot water. Sip the tea through the metal straw. This method of drinking it is an important part of the culture in rural and urban areas of countries like Argentina.
Health Benefits
It has many health benefits. It has antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It may boost energy, enhance brain function, and aid weight loss. However, drinking too much for a long time may increase cancer risk.
It’s best to drink no more than 2-3 cups per day. Avoid drinking it in the evening, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine. Follow the traditional customs of sharing one gourd in a group and passing the gourd around. This makes drinking it a pleasant, social experience.
It has been consumed for centuries by indigenous communities across countries like Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The plant is grown in the shade to preserve vital nutrients and results in an invigorating, smooth caffeine kick.
It can be enjoyed hot or cold. To make hot, place leaves in a gourd or cup and add water heated to 150-160 degrees Fahrenheit. Using water that is too hot can make the tea taste bitter. For best flavor, use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature control. Cold can be enjoyed as an iced tea.
It contains higher antioxidant levels than green tea and provides vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Some potential health benefits include increased energy, weight loss support, and relief from fatigue. However, more research is needed to substantiate definitive health claims.
When brewing, accompany it with mint, fruit essences or herbs like rosemary to soften bitter notes.
Guayaki is a phenomenal company who’s doing all the right things a conscious business in the 21st century should. Guayaki was founded in 1996 by two friends, Alex Pryor and David Karr to spread Yerba Mate to as many people within the United States as possible, while also protecting the environment.
The yerba mate is shade-grown in the South American rainforest by small farmers. Growing it in its native habitat improves the flavor and nutrition. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and several B vitamins, as well as minerals like calcium, manganese, iron and antioxidants.
In the U.S., it is widely available in health food stores and online. Proponents say it can relieve fatigue, promote weight loss, ease depression, and treat headaches. There’s no definitive evidence for these claims. Enjoy in moderation and check with your doctor before trying it.
Guayaki Yerba Mate offers flavors like mint, lemon, raspberry. Each flavor adds a twist to its natural, earthy taste. Overall, Guayaki Yerba Mate is a versatile beverage that offers a unique taste experience while providing some potential health benefits.
Yerba mate is a tea made from the leaves of a South American plant. To prepare tea, first fill a cup with the dried leaves. Then pour hot, not boiling, water over the leaves. Let it steep for a few minutes. The tea has a rich flavor and provides energizing effects.
Yerba mate tea can be made like other loose leaf teas by steeping the leaves for 1-3 minutes. Adjust the amount of leaves and steeping time to fit your taste. With a French press you can also easily control the strength.
Yerba mate contains caffeine. It’s often used to replace tea or coffee by providing an energy boost without side effects like sleep trouble or nausea.
Traditionally, yerba mate is meant to be enjoyed slowly with others. Making it properly shows reverence for this practice. Methods include steeping leaves in a gourd with a straw.
Leading producers are Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
To make tasty tea use filtered water when possible. Simply heat water to a simmer rather than boiling. Add sweetener like simple syrup if desired. Tea bags provide the lowest caffeine content, while the gourd method makes a stronger tea.