Yerba mate background
Yerba mate is an herb native to South America. It is used to make a bitter tea that is the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. In these countries, yerba mate is consumed much more than coffee.
The origins of yerba mate are filled with folklore. It was first discovered by indigenous peoples of Paraguay and Southern Brazil who viewed it as a gift "from the gods", mainly used for stamina. It was also utilized for medicinal purposes and was a dietary staple for agriculture-dependent and nomadic tribes, depending on the lifestyle.
Yerba mate culture
Most foreigners find the tea bitter or even unpalatable, but South Americans adore it. Argentines drink it for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset, either hot or cold depending on weather. This caffeinated beverage is extremely popular in Argentina. Consumed in 90% of households, more than a pound is included monthly in the basic food basket, with consumption rising up to 14 pounds per person annually.
Drinking mate is a tradition and social experience in South America. Locals often state it serves as a "pick me up" in the morning or afternoon. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people and brings groups closer together.
The gourd and bombilla (silver straw) is passed around, with hot water and leaves replenished as needed to release more nutrients and flavor.
Best yerba mate recipe
Ingredients
- 6 tsps yerba mate
- Boiling water
- French press
Directions
- Bring water to a boil. I use this affordable tea pot to bring water to a fast boil.
- Place 6 tsps of yerba mate in the french press. I use this french press if you’re curious. However, after doing some studying, there is an all in one tea pot/french press that allows you to conveniently brew while you boil!
Coffee, tea, and soda are the most popular caffeinated drinks in the world. This caffeinated beverage comes from the central and southern regions of the South American continent. Indigenous peoples have enjoyed this drink for centuries, relying on its high caffeine content to fuel their work and lives.
The seeds apparently only germinate after being digested by very specific native birds. This, as you can imagine, makes commercial cultivation more difficult and therefore the herb more precious.
Attempts have been made to cultivate the yerba mate plant in other parts of the world with similar climates. Growing it on a large commercial scale outside of its native climate poses challenges.
Yerba mate is traditionally consumed from a gourd passed around a group as a sign of friendship. It can also be brewed in tea bags for convenience.
The caffeine in yerba mate provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but some research shows it may also be linked with increased risk of certain cancers when consumed very hot. The health impacts of yerba mate on frequent drinkers requires more research.
The most common method for drinking yerba mate is to continuously sip it over several hours, adding more water or leaves as desired. Each infusion releases more nutrients and flavor. This beverage is also enjoyed communally, with the gourd and bombilla (straw) passed between people. This ritual creates social bonds between those gathered.
What is the most intense yerba mate?
This tea is made from the leaves of a plant native to South America. The leaves are dried and infused in hot water. It has an earthy, herby flavor. Some find the taste quite bitter, but others enjoy its flavor profile.
Yerba mate contains caffeine and may provide an energy boost similar to coffee. It could also help with weight loss and blood lipid levels.
Yerba mate can be enjoyed plain or with added flavors like mint, fruit, herbs and spices.
When choosing yerba mate, organic options may provide better flavor and health benefits by avoiding growth chemicals. Wild-grown yerba mate is also highly valued for its organic properties.