Mate has an earthy, vegetal taste. The flavor varies by region. It’s strong and bitter like black tea. Mate contains caffeine like coffee, but doesn’t cause jitters. It has adaptogenic properties to regulate body systems. The leaves are steeped to make a tea-like drink. It’s traditionally shared communally in South America. New drinkers may add mint or citrus to balance bitterness. The natural smokiness adds complexity. With experience, the palate adjusts to enjoy pure mate.
What Yerba Mate Tastes Like
Mate has a bitter taste thanks primarily to the tannins. Many people enjoy this bitter taste, while others prefer adding mint, honey, sugar, milk, or citrus to balance it out. Depending on the brand, you could have a strong bitter flavor, or a slightly milder taste.
Improving the Taste
The yerba mate plant is used for making herbal tea. It has a strong, earthy, bitter taste. The caffeine gives an energy boost. Add honey, lemon, or dairy-free milk to improve the flavor. Use water around 170°F to avoid too much bitterness. Let it steep 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. It’s naturally high in antioxidants.
An Acquired Taste
Mate has a strong earthy flavor. Its taste can be overwhelming initially. The way to describe it is like a sweeter, tobaccoey green tea. It is more bitter and bold than green tea.
There are many flavored options like mint, honey, sugar, milk or citrus. These create an exciting new drinking experience.
The yerba mate plant has an earthy, woodsy taste. There is a bit of smokiness depending on how the leaves are dried. Some brands use methods like kiln drying or open fire drying.
Mate has antioxidant and stimulant properties. It provides vitamin C. The theobromine and caffeine contribute to its bitter taste and energizing effects.
To develop your palate, drink mate daily for months. Mate is an acquired taste like wine or cigar. With time, subtle notes become detectable.
Yerba mate tea is made from the ilex paraguariensis plant leaves with similar flavor to black or green tea with more richness. It contains less caffeine than coffee but more antioxidants. It offers impressive health benefits and can satisfy like coffee. When served cold it is called tereré.