What is Mate?
Mate is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis. It was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. Mate is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.
Mate Equipment
To drink mate, you need 4 main components:
- mate leaves
- Mate Gourd
- Bombilla (metal straw)
- Thermos flask.
Mate cups come in all shapes, sizes and materials. The most common is the mate gourd, also called calabaza or porongo. They are natural cups from the Lagenaria plant that come in various shapes and sizes.
Mate Culture
Argentinians usually drink mate for breakfast or just before sunset. The cebador then passes mate to the right and receives it back once finished. This forges emotional links between people.
Mate Health Benefits
Mate provides caffeine, oils and nutrients. But avoid drinking too late to prevent sleep issues. Moderation is key – 2 to 3 mate drinks per day maximizes benefits.
Sweeteners and Herbs
What can I add to mate to make it taste better?
Mate is a drink made by steeping dried leaves from the mate plant in hot water. It has hints of tobacco and oak. Adding a small amount of honey or creamer enhances the flavor. Herbs like mint and lemongrass blend well with mate, adding flavor and health benefits.
Developing Taste for Mate
Developing your palate takes drinking mate regularly for months. Mate is an acquired taste like wine or coffee. Get fresh mate if yours tastes stale.
Caffeine Content
Mate’s caffeine can improve alertness, enhance cognitive function, and increase energy. The caffeine content of mate tea depends on the brewing method and varies between 20mg and 180mg per cup.
Continuous Steeping
But the most common way is to continuously sip mate for several hours, adding more leaves or water as necessary. Each steep releases more flavor and nutrients. Mate is often enjoyed socially. Several people share one gourd with one bombilla.
Nutrient Content
Mate contains vitamins A, B, C, and E. Mate tea is gaining popularity in the UK as an antioxidant-packed, jitter-free alternative to coffee and tea.
Mate Leaves
The mate tree has various uses. Its leaves are naturally caffeinated, picked and dried for consumption, traditionally infused in a small container or gourd, using the filtering straw and by adding hot water.