The mate plant is typically grown in regions with a subtropical climate, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. These regions provide the ideal conditions for the cultivation of the yerba mate plant. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius and requires a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year.
The antioxidant activity of mate tea was observed in vitro and in animal models, but studies in humans are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mate tea supplementation on plasma susceptibility to oxidation and on antioxidant enzyme gene expression in healthy nonsmoking women, after acute or prolonged ingestion.
The mate can be grown successfully indoors in pots, but it has pretty specific requirements for outdoor planting. Unless you live in a hot and humid region that receives plenty of rainfall, it’s not going to be suited to your garden. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.
You can find the mate, loose leaf or in bags, in the tea aisle of most organic grocery stores. Prepare mate as you would any other tea, and be sure to use water that’s not quite boiling. Allow it to steep for three to five minutes, and then enjoy!
So don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when experimenting with different temperatures. In conclusion, it is an incredibly versatile herbal tea that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. When preparing it yourself, take time to consider the desired strength and taste; adjust the amount of leaves and water temperature accordingly.
Argentina is the second largest producer of yerba mate in the world. Their yerba is usually high in leaves and stems, and low in dust.
It is a subtropical evergreen tree known for its caffeine-infused thick dark leaves used for tea. The plant produces fragrant small greenish-white flowers. It can be grown successfully indoors in pots with well-drained soil, bright light, and medium to high humidity.
The mate tree has leaves that are naturally caffeinated and traditionally infused in a calabash, using the bombilla and by adding hot water. The highest quality mate is shade-grown.
Drinking it regularly can improve wellbeing while enjoying a delicious beverage with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to boost immunity, improve skin and hair health. The leaves and twigs are dried, typically over a fire, and steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea served cold or hot. Like black tea, it contains caffeine.
Mate trees can grow over 60 feet tall in rainy areas. In the US, mate trees stay small when grown as house plants.
Mate trees need well-drained, sandy soil. They like humidity and temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. With patience, mate plants produce fragrant white flowers and red berries. The best mate tea uses leaves grown in shade.
Growing mate plants takes patience and the plants need warm humidity. I learned to grow a mate plant for tea. Mate tea gives energy and health benefits. Store-bought mate is fine, but homegrown tea is special.
It grows best in mild climates with shade. It takes years for small mate bushes to become large plants for harvest. Different soil changes the flavor and nutrients in mate leaves.
When caring for your plant, it’s important to water consistently. Be sure to give it regular trims.
It’s best suited for tropical and subtropical regions in full sun or partial shade with the right temperature and tends to thrive in loose, sandy, rich loamy soil on the acidic side that absorbs and retains moisture.