The South American herb can last one to two years if stored properly in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture. Check it for signs of spoilage like a musty smell, discoloration or change in taste.
The leaves should be olive green although brightness varies. The stem should be white to light tan. Leaves should be flexible, buoyant and slightly moist but not wet. You should notice earthy smells and mild sweetness.
When sharing the herb, don’t turn the mountain over more than four times or the infusion will be tasteless. To pour water directly on the straw at first to warm it and prevent the dry leaves from getting wet. The type also affects how long it lasts.
If stored properly in a dark, dry and cool place like a paper bag or glass jar, it can improve with age over several years. Aged leaves are slightly yellow but retain a matte sheen without being overly-dry. It develops subtle, nuanced flavors.
The herb contains caffeine which can cause inability to sleep, nervousness, nausea, fast heart rate and breathing, high blood pressure, headache and irregular heartbeats. It has more caffeine than coffee.
You can get 250 servings from one kilo which will last over half a year when consumed daily. The above is a rough estimate. You may use a smaller gourd that requires less herb so one kilo could last longer.
It has a unique, earthy flavor and contains caffeine and antioxidants. When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place, it can keep its freshness and flavor for up to several years. The leaves become more brittle but develop nuanced flavors over time. Exposure to light, air, and moisture can accelerate spoilage.
Signs of spoilage
- Mold
- Off odors
- Loss of flavor
- Discoloration
The caffeine and polyphenols may cause side effects in some people, like jitteriness, nausea, or sleep troubles. Traditionally, mate is sipped many times from a shared gourd until the flavor fades. For the best experience, use water just shy of boiling and avoid over-steeping the leaves. It makes a flavorful, energizing alternative to coffee or tea.