Brew Loose Mate
Mate is a drink made by steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water. The ideal brewing temperature for mate is approximately 170°F(77°C). In order to enjoy mate properly, you must prepare it as outlined.
Add 1-2 TBS of mate to a French press or strainer. Moisten the herb with cool water. Add 8 oz of 170°F water. Steep 5 minutes and strain. Flavor to taste.
Health Effects
There are some things you can do to bring about that experience. First, drink mate on an empty stomach. This makes you more sensitive to caffeine. Also, mate isn’t likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it.
Whether making it hot or cold, mate is a great herbal alternative to coffee.
Origin
Mate is native to subtropical South America. The plant is harvested and brewed similar to tea, to make a specialty beverage popular throughout South America.
Ways to Brew Mate
There are many ways to brew and enjoy mate tea. You could try the traditional way of brewing mate tea or drink some ice-cold mate tea with lime juice, mint and honey on a hot summer day.
Make Mate Tea Bags
Follow these simple steps to make mate tea bags: Add 1-2 mate tea bags to a mug. Moisten the tea bags with cool water. Fill the mug with 170°F water. Steep 5 minutes and remove tea bags. Flavor to taste.
You can make mate just how you make any other tea. Simply use 1 tablespoon of yerba per 8 ounces of water, let it steep for 3-5 minutes. You can also drink mate tea bags. Just steep one tea bag per 8 ounces of water.
Taste and Nutrition
Mate is a drink made by steeping dried leaves in hot water. It tastes like green tea with tobacco and oak hints.
But remember, mate is a natural plant like any tea you drink. It’s proven to contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. Of course, too much of anything is almost never good.
Safety
You’re probably worried about the cancer risk. Studies on mate’s long term effects are limited. Locals in South America drink 1-4 liters daily! That’s a lot of mate! I wouldn’t recommend that much, especially at first if you aren’t used to that much caffeine. It’s best to limit consumption.
How to Make Hot Mate Tea
To Make Hot Mate Tea:
Use a French press or electric tea kettle with an infuser. Experiment with different steeping times and leaf amounts to find your preferred strength.
On average, a cup of mate contains 30-50mg of caffeine. Factors like brewing method, leaf type, and steep time affect caffeine content.
Besides less caffeine, green tea tastes lighter and more arid with a shorter 1-2 minute steep time (mate takes 5 minutes). It also has tannins while mate does not. The health benefits differ too.
You can order mate leaves online in most countries.
Serving Size
What is 1 serving of mate?
For a single serving, use 1-2 tablespoons (7-14g) of mate leaves per 8 oz cup of water. However, the ideal ratio can vary depending on personal taste.
Mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than green tea, averaging around 30-85mg per 8 oz cup. The caffeine content depends on factors like the specific plant variety, brewing method and steeping time.
This tea is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E as well as minerals. It also contains antioxidants called polyphenols and saponins credited with boosting immunity and promoting good health.
Locals in parts of South America drink 1-4 liters of mate per day. While generally safe in moderation, such high intake could cause side effects. It’s best to start slow if you aren’t used to much caffeine.
Daily Consumption
How many oz of mate should I drink a day?
Mate is known for its unique flavor and health benefits.
South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters daily. In North America and Europe, avid drinkers consume 1–2 liters per day.
Mate contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and caffeine. It’s important not to overconsume it. Too much mate may cause sleeping problems or other side effects. Experts suggest avoiding drinking it in the evening.
The optimal amount of mate is 2-3 drinks per day. Spread mate consumption throughout the day until late afternoon. Avoid constant drinking. Be aware of your personal caffeine sensitivity. Consider mate’s health benefits and potential risks. Monitor your consumption and how your body reacts. Adjust your intake accordingly.