What is mate?
The beverage is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. 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. The indigenous Guaraní people cultivated and consumed the infusion for centuries.
The infusion was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. It is also popular in the Druze community in Syria and Lebanon, where it is imported from Argentina. The South American drink is used to make a beverage known as mate.
How to prepare mate
The indigenous Guaraní cultivated and consumed the drink for centuries, which comes from the ilex paraguariensis tree, and is made by soaking the dried leaves in hot water. The brew isn’t too difficult to make if you follow the instructions. To drink mate, you need 4 elements:
- dried mate plant
- Mate Gourd
- bombilla
- thermos flask
My personal experience
The herbal tea was put on hold while other beverages dominated my repertoire. When I returned back to the US for a quick visit was when I re-united with mate. It really is a remarkable drink that’s perfect while working.
How to drink mate properly
The South American infusion is best consumed on its own as an energizing and nutrient-rich drink, sipped through a filtered straw straight out of a mate gourd. But much like a Japanese tea ceremony, it’s not as simple as one, two, three—there is a certain art to brewing a proper mate.
Health benefits
The mate herb tea has a high quantity of polyphenols and is found to have more antioxidants than green tea. It contains 15 amino acids and vitamins such as iron and magnesium. Health benefits include relaxation and better sleep.
When Argentinians drink mate
Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather. Getting together to matear forges emotional links between people. Mate takes the Argentinians back to their roots.
Best time to drink
The best time to drink the herbal infusion is in the morning, after or during a meal. Compared to other popular caffeinated drinks, yerba mate tea made traditionally can have almost twice as much caffeine as 1 cup of coffee!
How to serve mate
The herbal infusion is inserted into the mate cup, a hollowed gourd. A bombilla, a metal straw, is placed in the cup, passed and shared.
Cancer risk
As of now, the cancer risk answer is unclear. Research so far shows the South American drink may prevent cancer due to healthy compounds.
We need to look at the full side effects list. It seems to offer more benefits than green tea, but there are unknowns. So benefits and risks should be taken cautiously. Not enough studies done to know full effects yet. For now, drink in moderation.
How mate is prepared and potential benefits
The tea is generally infused with hot water and prepared in a mate cup using a metal straw. It contains caffeine and other compounds like polyphenols. Research suggests that consuming the brew can increase metabolism and fat burning. It may also improve mental focus and mood. However, too much may not be advisable. The caffeine content can vary based on the plant and preparation method.