What does this South American tea taste like?
The yerba mate plant has an earthy, woodsy taste. Some people enjoy this grassy taste, while others prefer adding lemon, honey, or milk to tone it down. Some describe the taste as astringent due to the tannins.
The dried twigs and leaves brew a woody, earthy drink with vegetable flavor and smokiness, though not exactly like coffee. There is bitterness associated more with grass than tannins in black tea. It has varying tastes depending on preparation and brand.
Guayaki
The best Guayakí flavors include Orange Exuberance, Bluephoria, Lemon Elation, Enlighten Mint, Blackberry Mint, and Classic Gold. In this article, we tell you about the benefits of this tea, what unflavored version tastes like, and if it gives you energy.
Guayaki seems to be the longest running producer of ready to drink versions. I love their flavors and drink them often without coffee’s caffeine jitters. The Bluephoria mix of elderberry and blueberry juice has a decent sweetness without tasting like candy. The blueberry and elderberry flavors make this drink so great.
Other brands
You don’t want a brand that leaves a nasty sour taste. To avoid this, here is a list of five best brands that most people will enjoy. Not only traditional version is on the list, but also exciting variations like the berry blue.
For authentic, loose-leaf drink from Argentina, try Cruz de Malta. This version has a stronger, smokier flavor than most. Those looking for a more mild-mannered one should look elsewhere.
It promotes mental alertness without anxiety like coffee. It contains vitamins and minerals that coffee does not. Some drinks can have just as much caffeine as coffee. Overall, it is a delicious, healthy alternative to coffee.
It tea contains both caffeine and antioxidants. Therefore, many people drink it for its health benefits and for the energy and focus it provides. This plant has a long history and is gaining popularity globally.
Let’s take a look at its many evidence-based mental and physical health benefits.
When you drink it, you’ll feel focused because of the caffeine but won’t experience jitters or a hard crash like with coffee. I like the energy drinks. When I ordered 10 cans of Guayaki for this review, I couldn’t stop drinking them.
On average, one 8 ounce serving contains about 85mg of caffeine. For comparison, 8 ounces of coffee has around 130mg while green tea has 50mg. Some people find that it provides a more even, longer lasting energy boost than coffee, and may cause less anxiety or nervousness. In addition to caffeine, it contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and anti-oxidants.
The caffeine may feel subtly different than caffeine from coffee or black tea due to interactions with other compounds found naturally in the plant. Some people perceive it as providing a calmer, more focused energy boost.
Leaves grown in the rainforest shade produce the most flavorful nutrient-rich drink. My recipe provides caffeine and oil for the best focus and energy. However, drinking very hot above 65°C connects to higher cancer risk from carcinogens. So check temperature and avoid overconsumption.
The leaves are dried over fire and brewed. It has an herby and earthy flavor that may vary depending on how it was grown and brewed. It is a good alternative to coffee or tea if you want extra energy.
The tribal groups who first made this beverage centuries ago considered it a gift from the gods. Many would still agree today. But the most common way of drinking it is to continuously sip it for hours, adding more leaves or water as necessary. Each steep releases more flavor and nutrients.
It is enjoyed in a social gathering. Meeting up in nature is part of the tradition and ritual of drinking it. Several people share one gourd with one bombilla. The gourd gets passed around, creating a bond.
It is possible to grow it in controlled environments, where the climate is close to what the plant is familiar with. Whether you’re in the US, UK or Australia, or anywhere else, you can cultivate it if you maintain reasonable control of its climate and conditions. However, this may pose challenges if growing on a large scale.
What sets specialty tea shops apart is their tasting events. You can sample varieties there and learn about origins and brewing techniques. Besides the delicious taste, it comes with health benefits like increased energy and improved mental focus.
The best tasting comes from leaves grown in the rainforest’s shade. The flavor is earthy, grassy or woodsy with hints of fruit. While commonly prepared as a hot tea, some make cold teas or just chew the leaves.