The herbal tea is a popular South American drink. It is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can boost energy, improve digestion, and enhance mental focus.
Ingredients
The tea is made by steeping dried leaves in hot water. It tastes somewhat like green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak. The ideal brewing temperature is approximately 170°F (77°C).
You can make the herbal tea like any other tea. Use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes. You can also drink tea bags. Steep one tea bag per 8 ounces of water.
Step-by-step guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the herbal tea:
1) Fill your gourd with 3/4 leaves.
2) Shake your gourd and make a “montañita”.
3) Wet the montañita by pouring some cool water.
4) Insert the straw and slide it to the other side.
5) Pour hot water and enjoy your drink!
Key elements
The herbal tea is made from the leaves of a plant. It’s like coffee because it has caffeine. It’s like tea because it’s steeped in hot water. But that’s where the similarities end.
To drink the herbal tea, you need 4 elements:
- leaves
- gourd
- metal straw
- thermos flask
The metal straw strains the leaves so you can easily sip the brewed tea.
The herbal tea typically contains 30-50 milligrams of caffeine per cup. It’s native to Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil.
Social aspects
Enjoying a good drink in the morning or in the afternoon is no longer a privilege of Argentinians; today we can learn how to prepare and enjoy one of the best drinks in the world.
The gourds are made of metal, glass, wood, or clay. The brewer passes the gourd to each person in turn, in a circle. Everyone says thanks before drinking it and gives it back afterwards.
The brewer refills the hot water and continues giving it to the next person in clockwise order. In Argentina and other countries, the water used is usually hot (but not boiling) and the original bitterness is preserved.
The metal straw also acts as a sort of sieve too. Also, the reason why you often see people carrying big thermo flasks when they drink it is because they want to keep the water warm as the drink is always refilled several times.
Drinking the herbal tea is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world.
Ideal temperature
The herbal tea contains caffeine. It has less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. It is also rich in antioxidants.
The ideal water temperature is 70-80 degrees Celsius, just below boiling point. This temperature allows optimal flavor and nutrient extraction. Once water reaches desired temperature, add leaves to a gourd or tea infuser.
Never use boiling water. Tea bags are milder, good for beginners. Steep one bag per 8 ounces water.
It’s healthier not to boil water then immediately consume. Allow boiled water to cool 10-15 minutes before preparing the herbal tea.
Unique properties
The herbal tea is one of few naturally caffeine-containing plants. It’s a great coffee alternative, both hot and cold.
Quality water, precise temperature and keeping water hot are key. Boil water then put in thermos. Don’t just boil single cups.
One gourd and straw passed around group. Hot water continually added to same leaves, up to 10-20 times. Flavor gets weaker over time.