Mate can last for several months in the fridge stored in an airtight container. It’s best to keep it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Using airtight containers prevents air exposure and moisture from affecting the leaves. The shelf life depends on storage but can last 1-2 years properly stored. Check for signs of spoilage like discoloration. Overdiffusing can make the mate taste bitter from too many tannins. The foam indicates if your mate is washed out. Pay attention to this with faster diffusing yerbas.
The indigenous Guaraní cultivated the herb prior to European colonization. It’s traditionally consumed from a gourd with a filtered straw. The recipient drinks then returns the mate to be refilled and passed in order. Effects last 2+ hours depending on consumption. It has less caffeine than coffee but more antioxidants. Too much may cause anxiety, nervousness, or insomnia so moderation is key.
The herb leaves are dried, chopped, and ground into a powder. This powder is then infused with hot water to make the caffeine-rich drink mate. Mate is traditionally consumed in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. It has a bitter taste with hints of tobacco and oak.
Mate contains antioxidants like polyphenols as well as caffeine. The antioxidants provide anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. Mate is often compared to green tea as both contain caffeine and antioxidants.
When storing mate, use an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Avoid temperature changes. Stored properly, mate lasts 1-2 years before deteriorating.
The traditional way to drink mate is to sip it continuously for hours, adding more water or leaves as needed. It is usually drunk from a gourd with a metal straw that acts as a sieve. People often carry thermo flasks when drinking mate to keep the water hot for refilling the gourd.
Yerba mate tea is made from the leaves of the ilex paraguariensis plant. In South America, drinking yerba mate tea is a common social pastime. It has a unique, rich flavor that’s similar to black or green tea. Mate does contain the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Coffee contains about 85 milligrams of caffeine per 5 ounce cup, and mate has slightly less at about 78 milligrams. Mate also contains anti-inflammatory saponins, chlorophyll, and antioxidants.
The herb is a delicate herb that can lose its flavor if not stored properly. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture from affecting the leaves. You can reuse leaves overnight if you see no mold. Use a stainless steel gourd to prevent mold. Drink in moderation as large amounts for long periods increase cancer risk. To prolong shelf life, store away from moisture and sunlight. Cover opened packages between use. Check regularly for freshness. Discard at any signs of spoilage. When brewing, don’t overfill filters as leaves expand. Adjust strength by steeping time and amount. Prepare traditionally by filling the gourd 2/3 to 3/4 with leaves. Use correct temperature water. Experience lets you reuse leaves 2-3 times a day. Caffeine content is less than coffee but absorption is faster. Staining is minimal compared to other teas. Effects on energy levels last minutes to hours depending on intake. Avoid overdiffusing leaves to preserve stimulating properties.