How do you grow the herb from seed?
Growing the herb from seeds can be challenging. The seeds need to go through a cold process if you’re not planting right after harvesting. Keep the seedlings in pots in a warm, sheltered place like a greenhouse. They grow best in humid, hot climates with plenty of rain. The herb is an evergreen tree grown mainly in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. It’s part of the holly family.
When trying to grow the herb, seeds need to be stratified and can take months to germinate. Cuttings should be semi-woody, taken in late summer. Treat with rooting hormone before planting in a peat moss and perlite mix.
In the wild, trees grow up to 60 feet tall with thick, oval-shaped leaves. They grow best in filtered sunlight and moist, fertile soil. Add organic matter when planting. The herb goes through several growth stages over 5+ years before the leaves are ready for harvest and processing into tea. The harvesting and production process involves careful drying, aging, blending and taste-testing to achieve the best flavor.
What zone does the herb grow?
The herb is native to South America. It is used to make the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay and Southern Brazil. In fact, the herb is consumed 6 to 1 over coffee in these countries.
The herb contains caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. It has vitamins A, B, C as well as potassium, iron, manganese, and antioxidants. It can naturally boost your immune system, improve skin and hair health.
The tree has a variety of uses. Its leaves are naturally caffeinated. They are picked and dried for consumption, traditionally infused in a small container or gourd, using the filtering straw and by adding hot water.
Trees grown in the wild can grow over eight meters tall. Their leaves are oval-shaped. The height depends on sunlight. An indoor plant may grow two to three feet tall. Geographically, trees are grown in Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uraguay, and Paraguay.
The leaves and twigs are dried, over a fire. The herb is served cold or hot. It contains caffeine. Side effects are inability to sleep, nervousness, upset stomach, increased heart rate.
The leaves are dried before storing. It is not psychedelic but the closest stimulant to it from tea or coffee. Containing caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline – along with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, saponins, it increases vitality.
How do you process the herb?
In order for the mate tea to be at a high quality level, the plant needs additional shading for the first two years. It is then cut back just above the ground and sprouts new leaves. After a total of four years of growth, the first harvest now takes place.
Although the herb is generally appreciated through the southern regions of South America, the way it is processed and sold may vary from region to region.
We’ve helped hundreds of people like you to prepare their first mate and have come up with this easy step-by-step guide on how to prepare the herb that will teach you how to become a master in the art of making the herb. Follow along as we share the secrets to always get your mates right!
What temperature do the herb plants like?
The herb is native to South America. The origins of the herb are filled with folklore. Trees are usually grown in Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The tree has oval-shaped leaves around five inches long. In the wild, it grows up to 26 feet tall. The herb is often referred to as the ‘drink of the Gods’. It is loaded with antioxidants. It contains vitamins A, B, C as well as potassium, manganese, and iron.
The plant needs temperature between 20 and 23 °C, medium to high humidity but does not tolerate direct sunlight. Soil pH value of 5.8 to 6.8 preferred. Most plants at 400 to 800 metres above sea level. Taste depends on climate conditions.
When stored, temperature, humidity, and light are regulated to properly age the herb and develop richer blends. Brewing temperature important, use a kettle with a built-in thermometer and a thermos. Drinking mate at room temperature not enjoyable. The herb has positive effects for health and weight loss.