Mate is a species of the Holly Family native to subtropical South America. The plant is harvested and brewed similar to tea, to make a popular beverage throughout South America. Mate (pronounced mah-teh) is a drink made by steeping dried mate plant leaves in hot water. It tastes somewhat like green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak.
Brewing Instructions
The simplest method is to steep the leaves like any other loose tea in water around 170°F (not boiling); using boiling water makes it bitter. To enjoy mate traditionally you must prepare it properly. The leaves go into a gourd and you sip the brew through a metal straw (bombilla) which strains out the leaves.
The tea has an herby and earthy flavor. The flavor may vary depending on how it was grown and brewed. It’s important to follow three rules when brewing:
- Moisten first with cool water
- Never use boiling water
- Steep for five minutes maximum.
Flavor Enhancers
You can add mint or fruits like orange, pineapple, mango or passionfruit to enhance the flavor. These not only add taste but also extra health benefits. Over time your palate will develop allowing you to taste various subtle notes.
In Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile this caffeinated beverage outnumbers coffee.
Alternative Preparation Methods
Fill a french press with the tea. Add cold water to cover the leaves. Add 80-100 degree water. Let sit 2 minutes. Press plunger. Pour and enjoy.
To make it more palatable, rinse first with cold water instead of hot. Use cooler water like green tea.
With beer, the carbonation cleanses between sips. Light beer pairs well with salty snacks. Dark beer complements stews. Choose beer that enhances taste.
Texture is key. It’s the liquid’s richness and thickness, not taste. Brands differ in feel.
Store correctly to maintain freshness and flavor. It lasts 6-12 months with proper storage.
Many prefer sweetening by adding sugar, honey or sweeteners when brewing. To soften bitterness, some sweeten with white sugar, sweeteners, honey, stevia or brown sugar. Everyone makes “mate dulce” according to taste. Mate can be drunk with water, milk or juice.
Yerba mate is a caffeinated herbal tea from South America. It has an earthy, bitter flavor. Many enjoy it for its benefits. But its strong taste can be off-putting. These tips show how to make it taste good!
Never use boiling water, as that makes it very bitter. Instead, use a blend of cool and hot water. Adding lemon is popular. Sugar or other sweeteners also help cover bitterness. You can experiment with other creative ingredients too.
Making good tasting mate requires patience and precision. Adjust the water temperature and steeping time to tame bitterness. That allows the flavors to shine through.
You can use a French press, tea pot or tea bags too. Just don’t boil the water. It takes practice to brew mate right. Expect some mistakes at first.