What is Mate?
Mate 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, Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile. The herb was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization.
Simple Brewing Method
The simplest method is to steep dried mate leaves in hot water and then filter out the leaves before drinking. The ideal brewing temperature is approximately 170°F (77°C). Using boiling water will produce a bitter, inferior beverage.
Main Components
There are 4 main components for drinking the herbal tea:
- Gourd – The basic cup is made from a gourd.
- Bombilla – A filtered straw that helps sip the infusion and prevents dust or debris from entering your mouth.
- Dried leaves – The dried leaves from the mate plant.
- Water – Water heated to 140o-170oF (60o-77oC). Never use boiling water, as it scalds the leaves and makes the tea taste bitter.
Consumption in Argentina
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather. But the beverage has become increasingly common to drink from cans, bottles, and energy drinks, so it is more convenient to drink on the go, anytime. More than a habit, getting together to matear forges emotional links between people. And it takes the Argentinians back to their roots. Sharing that is something of value beyond the mere act of getting together to drink something.
The herbal tea naturally produces caffeine. Whether making it hot or cold, it is a great herbal alternative to coffee.
Is Dust Okay to Drink?
The plant is native to South America. The leaves are used to make a tea called mate. Mate is a popular caffeinated drink in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It has benefits like antioxidants, but too much of it can cause side effects.
Mate is traditionally drunk from a gourd using a metal straw called a bombilla. The bombilla filters out leaf particles so you don’t swallow any dust. Some bags also filter the dust if you don’t have a bombilla.
Dust makes it easier to prepare mate and form a mound of leaves. Too much dust can be a problem though. To avoid it, use a strainer or tea bags. You can also buy brands with less dust.
Using the right tools like a bombilla and a gourd enhances the drinking experience while keeping dust-free:
- Yerba Mate Strainer: Filters out dust for a smoother, cleaner drinking experience.
- Dust-Free Gourd: Made to prevent dust accumulation, ensuring a cleaner, more hygienic drinking experience.
- Bombilla with a Filter: Helps sip the infusion and prevents dust or debris from entering your mouth.
The indigenous Guaraní first cultivated and used mate before European colonization.
We will provide instructions for drinking mate without a bombilla, discuss benefits, and how it can be incorporated into your daily routine.
Avoid constant consumption, 2 – 3 beverages daily, lasting through to the late afternoon. Avoid drinking in the evening, reduce intake if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
There are a handful of ways to prepare Mate: Traditionally with a gourd, bombilla and loose-leaf; with a french press, tea bags, strainer, coffee machine and more.
The basic cup for drinking mate is made from a gourd. Shake or crush the herb inside.
Mate is a tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This small bush is native to southern South America.
To prepare mate, place leaves into a gourd or cup. Insert a metal straw with a filter on one end, called a bombilla, to strain out leaves while sipping. Add hot water, not boiling. Drink at 140-170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Traditionally, share one gourd and pass around. Refill with hot water to continue enjoying flavor. Avoid drinking over two liters daily. Most people drink one to two liters per day.
The tea has caffeine. It may increase cancer risk when consumed in very large amounts for long periods. Avoid drinking in evenings if caffeine sensitive.