This South American herb is naturally bitter due to its high content of tannins and antioxidants. The bitterness also comes from caffeine. Higher-quality leaves tend to be less bitter and more flavorful. Brewing temperature and steeping time impact bitterness. The optimal brewing temperature is 150°F for 5 minutes. This avoids burning the leaves while extracting flavors and nutrients.
Yerba Mate Leaf Grades
Industrial yerba contains large, medium and small leaves, mate powder and small branches. The powder provides aroma while the branches counterbalance bitterness. Parking refines flavors as it rests for 6-24 months. The more it rests, the sweeter it becomes.
Good preparations like mixing it and turning the mate upside down before pouring water can yield a comforting, quality drink. Adding natural sweeteners like honey or herbs can cut the bitterness for those sensitive to it.
The caffeine content is similar to green tea, providing exercise performance benefits. Relying more on fat for energy during physical activity conserves carbohydrates for intense efforts.
This South American tea is bitter due to several factors. First, it’s bitter due to the fact that it’s just raw, green leaf steeped in hot water several times. Very few plants are not bitter. Second, it’s got a whole load of antioxidants which, like in green tea, add a bitterness that can’t be omitted when drinking this tea. Third, it contains caffeine, which by itself is a very bitter element.
Never use boiling water to brew your yerba, because that will make the resulting brew much more bitter. This recipe uses a blend of cool and hot water to make it taste awesome.
This South American herb has an earthy, herby, and slightly bitter taste. The complex flavor can take time to acquire, but many find it a taste they grow to love. You may notice earth, grass, dirt, butter and smoke flavors. The woody, vegetable taste is stronger than coffee but more natural than black tea. It’s bitter with a grassy rather than tannic flavor. It’s an interesting, unique drink offering health benefits.
Getting Used to Yerba Mate
To reduce bitterness, use less of this herb, about 30 grams. Also, temperature matters – steep at 70-80°C. Higher temperatures make it more bitter! For good taste, steep 3-5 minutes in 155-175°F water.
This South American herb contains caffeine and antioxidants. South Americans safely drink 1-4 liters daily. Avid drinkers worldwide consume 1-2 liters per day. Side effects from too much include headaches, anxiety, ringing ears and irregular heartbeats.
Traditional Yerba Mate Tools
- Traditional gourds
- Straws
The gourd is called mate in Spanish. Its leaves are inserted along with 80°C water – Argentinians are very precise about the temperature!