Rosamonte Despalada is a plain mate. It has an uncomplicated pleasant bitter taste and a potent energizing effect. Former coffee drinkers may find it a perfect no-nonsense everyday morning drink.
The cultivation of mate
The indigenous Guarani discovered the stimulating properties of mate leaves. Over time, it became integral to the culture, symbolizing friendship and community.
Rosamonte is one of the best Argentine yerbas. The regular tasting good. The Special Selection has a nice smoky taste.
The leaves are used to make an infusion. It has the same caffeine as coffee but no caffeine crash. Mate is bitter with a distinctive taste some may need to acquire. The ideal temperature to brew mate is 160°F to fully unlock the flavors.
The caffeine content of mate tea depends on the brewing method and varies between 20mg and 180mg per cup. A cup of mate tea contains about 70 mg of caffeine on average, while a cup of coffee averages at 120 mg.
Mate is a plant native to South America. Its leaves are used to make a traditional caffeinated drink. This beverage is known as "the drink of the Gods" in some regions where it is more popular than coffee. Mate provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients.
The history of mate
The history of mate dates back to centuries ago when indigenous Guaraní people first discovered its stimulating properties. They began cultivating mate, and over time, it became an integral part of the culture in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay – symbolizing friendship, hospitality, and community.
Mate is made by steeping dried mate leaves in hot water. It can be served hot or cold. Mate contains caffeine which can make you feel more alert and focused. Moderate consumption is not linked to health problems in most adults.
The antioxidants in mate may help protect heart health. This benefit is unique compared to coffee and green tea. Mate also contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco smoke and grilled meat.
What exactly is yerba mate?
Mate is a tea-like drink popular in Argentina. ‘Yerba’ refers to the herb leaves, ‘mate’ is the drinking cup. The leaves come from the ilex paraguarensis tree.
In Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina a version called mate cocido is sold in teabags and loose-leaf, often sweetened, sometimes with fruit juice or milk.
Drinking mate is common in South America as drinking coffee and tea elsewhere. Mate has vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and mateine, a mild caffeine. With lemonade it’s tereré, popular among children.
Preparing mate has rules. First, fill the cup with yerba. Cover it completely with your hand, turn it twice. Insert the bombilla in the dry yerba, pour water near it until saturated.