Can anyone drink yerba mate?
Mate is a tea made from the leaves of a South American holly plant. It’s popular in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. Mate contains caffeine and may provide health benefits. But more research is needed to confirm these links.
Mate is traditionally drunk from a gourd through a metal straw that filters out leaf particles. Drinking mate is a social tradition in South America and sharing it represents friendship and respect.
To prepare mate, fill the gourd halfway with dry leaves then add hot water. It can be consumed hot or cold. People often drink mate all day long, refilling the gourd with hot water to continue brewing. But mate does contain caffeine so avoid drinking it late in the day if sensitive.
There are also variations like mate cocido, an infused tea using mate leaves in a tea filter. Mate gringo style soaks the leaves in cold water first before adding hot water.
While the caffeine in mate provides an energizing effect, avoid overconsumption. Two to three mate beverages a day is common. If new to mate, start with one cup to assess tolerance.
What are the rules for drinking yerba mate?
Mate is a small bush that produces evergreen leaves used to make mate tea. The plant is native to South America. There are 4 main components that make up drinking mate:
- gourd
- metal straw (bombilla)
- yerba mate
- hot water
The basic cup (drinking device) is made from a gourd. The metal straw strains the leaves so you can easily suck up just the brewed tea.
Similar to coffee and tea, mate is commonly consumed in the morning. However, South Americans drink mate all day long from morning to evening, sometimes even before bed. Mate is deeply ingrained in their culture. When someone offers you mate and you refuse, you’re seen as rude.
It’s possible to grow yerba mate outside South America in controlled environments. As long as you maintain reasonable control of climate and conditions, you can cultivate yerba mate.
Mate is generally infused with hot water and prepared in a mate cup with a bombilla. The cup is passed and shared between friends and family.
To prepare mate, first fill 3⁄4 of the gourd with leaves. Put palm on top, shake to mix dust with particles. Tilt cup at 45° angle to leave space for water.
Drinking Mate Culture
Drinking mate is common in South America. Unlike coffee or tea, it’s nutritious with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains mateine, a softer caffeine. When cold, mate is served with hot water. There are rules for preparing mate.