This South American tea has an earthy flavor that can be enjoyed hot or cold, with or without added flavors. Some of the best flavors include orange, blueberry, lemon, tropical, mint, berry, lime, grapefruit ginger, cranberry pomegranate, and classic gold.
It is traditionally consumed in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It has several health benefits like boosting metabolism, aiding digestion, improving mental focus, increasing physical energy, and reducing inflammation. It may also help lower blood sugar and promote weight loss.
Some popular cocktail recipes are the Yerba Mate Mojito, Margarita, and Paloma. These drinks offer a delightful combination of flavors along with the energizing benefits.
When buying, opt for organic and high-quality brands to avoid a bitter taste. The brands considered among the best for flavor and quality include Guayaki, Mate Factor, Pampas, Amanda, and EcoTeas.
Which brew is better?
The flavor can vary slightly depending on the growing and brewing method. It has an earthy, herbal taste.
There are many brands and types to choose from. Trying different ones can help find your preferred flavor. How it’s processed affects the complexity of the flavor. Traditional processing keeps more flavor nuances, while industrial processing focuses on efficiency over subtleties.
Proper storage in an airtight container helps maintain the flavor. Experimenting with different steeping times, like 4-6 minutes, also helps achieve long-lasting flavor.
Some people prefer a smoother, more balanced brew. The ones containing palo, which are the stems of the plant, create a smooth blend of flavors. The powdered younger leaves are key for a sparkling, foamy texture.
Drinking very hot above 149°F increases cancer risk. This may be due to carcinogens called PAHs that it contains. High consumption can also cause caffeine-related side effects. Pregnant women should consult doctors before drinking it since caffeine boosts miscarriage risk.
Why does my brew taste weird?
It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. It has a bitter taste thanks primarily to the tannins it contains. Depending on the brand you choose, you could have a strong bitter flavor, or a slightly milder taste. Some people describe it as tasting like grass or soil. It can also have a slightly bitter aftertaste. However, as you continue to drink it, you may start to notice other flavors as well. Some people describe it as having a nutty or smokey taste. If the leaves are kiln-dried or dried over an open fire, then the tea could acquire a smokey taste.
The planting and processing play an important role both in the proper concentration of its nutrients and in its flavor. Experts say that when it is grown on a sunny hillside, it will likely develop high levels of caffeine as well as a lighter sweet taste. On the other hand, brew that was sown in the shade will have less caffeine and an earthy and herbaceous flavor. During its processing, the drying of the leaves can also contribute to the infusion having a characteristic flavor. Some experts point out that those who dry the leaves over an open fire or with a heat source take advantage of this step to create a special flavor profile. There are brews that have a herbaceous taste, like that of a raw brew, because their leaves have been dried in a closed room. The traditional methods of processing result in a more complex flavor profile, while industrial processing sacrifices some subtleties for efficiency.