Maté and tereré are caffeinated beverages from the central and southern regions of South America. Indigenous peoples have enjoyed these traditional drinks for centuries. They can be served hot or cold. The hot version is called maté; the cold is tereré. They are made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis holly plant. … Read more
How to Make Yerba Mate Use water just off the boil, around 160 to 180 degrees. If you don’t have temperature control, water simmers at 190 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. Temperature drops with altitude. Indigenous called it ‘drinks of gods’, settlers ‘green gold’. My yerba mate recipe gives best focus and energy – … Read more
It is fully metabolized in 6 to 8 hours. The metabolism rate varies depending on factors like age, weight, and health. It contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. It takes 30 minutes to increase eye pressure. This lasts 90 minutes minimum. It boosts energy and focus due to caffeine content. Properly stored, … Read more
The infusion is a tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant native to South America. It has been consumed in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay for centuries due to its many health benefits. It contains polyphenols and antioxidants that may protect against heart disease and cancer. Studies show it can also … Read more
This South American tea is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can strengthen your immune system. It contains vitamin C, known for its immune-boosting properties. Additionally, the antioxidant content can protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. The maté provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more … Read more
Mate is a species of the holly genus, native to parts of South America. The leaves are used to make a bitter, caffeinated drink called mate. It has a complex flavor and is often consumed socially. The health effects of mate are like black tea. It may provide benefits for fatigue, inflammation, cholesterol, and more, … Read more
Hot Mate and Cancer Risk What studies have found is it’s the water temperature, not the drink itself. Consuming fluids at hot temperatures in the 158-185oF (70-85oC) range seem to increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Considering the high consumption (1-3 liters a day) and frequency (daily) in South America, esophageal cancer is a major … Read more
What kind of gourd is used for the herbal tea? You can make the South American drink just how you make any other tea. Simply use 1 tablespoon of leaves per 8 ounces of water, let it steep for 3-5 minutes, and presto! The gourd, typically made from a hollowed-out squash or gourd fruit, offers … Read more
How many spoons of yerba mate? The herbal drink contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea. It offers health benefits similar to coffee. On average, a tablespoon has about 30-50 milligrams of caffeine, half that of coffee. So for a caffeine boost, it is a good coffee alternative. The herbal drink is a … Read more
This caffeinated infusion is a popular drink in South America. It is a symbol of friendship and bonding. Indigenous cultures embraced it in their traditions. Sharing the drink shows respect. Origins and History It is native to South America. It is used to make the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. It … Read more
