The mate plant grows in South America. The leaves are dried and brewed like tea leaves to make a popular drink in that region.
To prepare mate: Fill a gourd or cup with mate leaves. Pour hot, not boiling, water over the leaves. Let it steep for a few minutes. Use a metal straw called a bombilla to drink the tea.
Mate tastes somewhat like green tea with hints of tobacco and oak flavors. It has health benefits like increased energy, improved digestion, and antioxidants.
The traditional method for preparing mate uses a bombilla and a gourd. Fill the gourd two-thirds with mate leaves. Pour hot water over the leaves. Let it steep then drink with the bombilla. This method makes the tastiest mate.
Mate has about the same caffeine as coffee. But it does not cause jitters or crashes like coffee can. It has adaptogenic properties to regulate the body’s systems.
You can also make mate tea with a strainer, tea pot or coffee maker. Use 1 tablespoon of mate per 8 ounces of water. Let it steep 3-5 minutes. Tea bags are milder for beginners.
What is the best way to drink mate?
The recommended water temperature for making mate tea is 150-175 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature depends on the type of mate tea you are using and how strong you like it. Steep the tea for 1 to 3 minutes. Longer steeping results in stronger tea.
You can also mix other herbs into mate to change the flavor.
Why not boiling water for mate?
Temperature matters when brewing mate. Different temperatures suit different types of mate, impacting nutrients, caffeine, and flavor. Subtle changes make a big difference in quality and flavor. Use filtered water if possible. Sweeten with simple syrup if desired.
Generally, mate is steeped in hot water, just off the boil, around 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The boiling temperature drops about a degree for every 100 feet in altitude increase.
Getting started with mate is simple. Add the herb into a frenchpress, teapot, or traditional mate gourd, then add hot or cold water, wait a few minutes, then enjoy.
In South America, mate brings families and friends together. Being offered mate is a sign of respect and a great way to make new friends. The art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations. These universal mate etiquette rules will impress any local!