The South American drink is made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It contains caffeine and antioxidants. The herbal tea can be consumed in various ways. It can be brewed using methods ranging from a coffee maker to a French press. The flavor varies depending on the soil quality where the plant is grown.
The ritual of drinking yerba mate
- The mate is often shared communally.
- The process involves passing around a gourd and bombilla (metal straw).
- Water is repeatedly added to the same leaves to extract more flavor.
- The leaves can be rebrewed 10-30 times.
How to prepare yerba mate
- Use 1 tablespoon of leaves per 8 oz cup of water.
- Steep 3-5 minutes.
- 160-175 F water brings out the best flavor.
- Avoid boiling water as it can burn the leaves.
The ritual of drinking promotes social bonding. Groups gather in nature to pass the mate gourd and share in the experience.
The herbal drink has an earthy, tobacco-like flavor. It contains caffeine and can be steeped multiple times to pull out more flavor. Typically, the first steep lasts around 5 minutes. It can be re-steeped up to 10 times before losing flavor.
The mate is often enjoyed socially in South America. Friends gather and share one gourd with a metal straw called a bombilla. The gourd gets passed around, creating a bond.
You can make the tea in a French press. Simply add leaves and hot water. Let it steep for 2 minutes, then press down the plunger and enjoy. The French press method is faster and more portable than the traditional gourd method.
The herbal drink is considered a healthy alternative to coffee or tea. It provides caffeine without some of coffee’s side effects like trouble sleeping. It also contains vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system.
The plant itself can be purchased online and grown at home. But it’s easier to buy the dried leaves for steeping. The South American tea can be made hot or cold. It’s growing in popularity worldwide due to its rich flavor and health benefits.
- You can refill 10 to 30 times depending on the gourd size and amount used.
- What are some tips for maximizing flavor in multiple brews?
- To maximize flavor when reusing leaves, store them in an airtight container, avoid light and moisture exposure, and use slightly hotter water with each brew.
- What are signs the tea is brewed out?
- Signs include a strong bitter taste and a dark color.
- Can I drink the herbal tea without a straw?
- You can drink and enjoy mate without a gourd or bombilla using any device you use for coffee or other teas.
- Is the South American drink safe when drinking large amounts daily?
- Drinking 1-2 liters daily long term increases cancer risk so it’s best to limit consumption.
The refreshing, tasty drink has high caffeine levels, brewed from leaves of the yerba mate plant. The traditional way to enjoy mate is sharing a gourd with friends. Refill the gourd with hot water as you drink until flavor fades.
In South America, people safely drink 1-4 liters daily. In North America and Europe, avid drinkers consume 1-2 liters daily. Moderate intake provides health benefits like boosted immunity, improved digestion, increased energy. However, excessive consumption poses health risks including certain cancers, digestive issues.
- The recommended daily intake is 1-2 liters, equal to 3-6 cups. This allows experiencing potential benefits without going overboard. It’s important to moderate intake and not exceed the limit.
- The best times to drink are morning and after meals.
- Avoid drinking late evening if sensitive to caffeine.
The herbal tea contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. Like any caffeinated food or drink, it can increase energy and reduce tiredness. As an herb, it contains unique vitamins, minerals, antioxidogens. Too much of anything is rarely good. More research is needed on cancer risk. Current evidence shows cancer association mainly for smoking combined with heavy, long-term drinking.
For healthy adults, occasional drinking likely poses little risk. But regular, long-term heavy consumption may increase chances of certain cancers. Pregnant women should keep consumption under 300mg caffeine daily. Those with sleep issues should avoid the South American tea after 6pm.