Brewing Methods
Hot mate tea can also be brewed using a French press or other suitable equipment. An easy way of preparing hot mate tea is to buy mate tea bags and make a cup of hot tea the same way as with a regular tea bag. When using a tea bag, the mate tea tends to be milder compared to the traditional method of brewing mate. One very popular way of enjoying mate tea is to make iced tea, also called tereré. What could be a more refreshing drink during a hot day, than ice-cold mate tea with a dash of fresh lemon juice and some fresh herbs!
Recommended Brands
Our favorite brands combine great flavor with responsible production practices, reasonable pricing, and ease of use. If you’re new to tea, you may prefer a non-traditional blend with added flavors and fewer stems.
Mate tea is commonly compared to green tea. In the strictest sense of the definition, it is an herbal tea, but it is not a green or even a black tea.
Growing Conditions
The plant can grow in different settings, but the best tasting mate comes from leaves that have been grown in the shade of the rainforest.
Benefits
Mate tea provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients.
When it’s cold the mate is served with hot water. During summer or hot weather the water is often replaced by lemonade.
There are 4 main components that make up drinking mate tea:
- the Gourd
- the Bombilla
- the mate tea
- Hot Water
Why do people like mate tea so much?
Health Benefits
Mate tea contains antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins and minerals. It has more antioxidants than green tea and a high percentage of caffeine. Mate tea provides energy, enhances concentration and uplifts mood without causing jitters or crashing like coffee. It also promotes cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and cleaning arteries.
Mate tea can be enjoyed hot or cold without milk.
Guayusa is similar to mate tea but more relaxing due to lower caffeine content. However, mate tea provides longer lasting energy.
History and Popularity
Mate tea originates from South America where it has a long history and is known as the "drink of the gods". Countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil consume mate tea regularly.
To enhance flavor, find loose leaf mate tea instead of tea bags. Avoid mixing mate tea with alcohol or smoking which increases cancer risk.
Recommended Brands
Playadito Mate Tea introduces the traditional South American tea ritual. It’s made in Argentina. This brand brings an authentic experience with a balanced flavor making it one of the best for beginners.
Canarias is a Uruguayan style blend made using ingredients from Brazil without the plant stems. It has a strong, bitter flavor and an almost creamy texture. It’s 100% natural without preservatives or chemicals. Specifically this mate tea is sourced from areas in Brazil with the perfect climate for the leaf to flourish. While ingredients are from Brazil, Canarias is a fine loose leaf Uruguayan style blend without stems.
Flavor Profiles
From tangy citrus to berries combined with earthy flavor, Mate tea suits everyone. I’ll guide you through 12 flavors you must try. The Sparkling Blackberry Mint harmonizes tart blackberries with mint. It embraces the traditional woody and earthy taste without less fruity essence.
Choosing the Best Mate Tea
I’ll look at best mate tea brands for beginners and experience tea drinkers. Healthy gut is good for health. Best way? Drink tea! Mate tea works as a natural digestive supporting healthy gut providing an energy boost without crashes.
In South America, some brands are more popular. Playadito is number one in Argentina sales. It has gained popularity among younger markets wanting quality, soft taste and long-lasting mate cycles. Playadito is traditional with gentle stimulation and smooth taste. It consists of thick-cut leaves with low dust usable with any bombilla.