Steeping Time
How long does mate need to steep?
Mate is an herb native to South America and is used to make the national drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil. The mate plant is a species of holly (Ilex paraguariensis A.). It’s traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, and southern Chile. For centuries indigenous Guaraní people first cultivated and used mate.
The process of brewing and enjoying mate is meant to be savored slowly over conversation or quiet contemplation. When served cold, the drink is called tereré in Guaraní. The recommended water temperature for making mate tea is 150-175 degrees Fahrenheit (65-80 Celsius). Steeping time varies based on factors like water temperature and size of your gourd. Generally steeping for 1 to 3 minutes results in good flavor without excessive bitterness.
Preparation Method
Unlike tea, mate is a more potent herb in terms of both taste and effects. Mate is meant to be sipped instantly after the refill, which provides a full-flavored infusion. Brewing it like tea makes it unpleasantly bitter and strong. Also unlike tea, when preparing mate we fill 2/3 to 3/4 of the vessel with yerba, creating a mountain shape. This exposes only some of the yerba to the water, making each sip balanced without excessive intensity.
Effects and Daily Use
Do you get a buzz from mate?
Mate is a drink made by steeping dried leaves from the mate plant in hot water. It tastes like green tea, with tobacco and oak hints.
You can make mate like other teas. Use a tea strainer, tea pot, french press or coffee maker. Simply use 1 tablespoon of yerba per 8 ounces of water. Let it steep 3-5 minutes.
Yerba mate is from the holly family, native to South America. The plant is harvested and brewed similar to tea. It takes 2-3 years before you can harvest mate.
Is it OK to drink mate everyday?
Similar to coffee and tea, mate is also commonly consumed in the morning. It’s ingrained in South American culture. Despite being touted as a social drink, it’s common to drink it alone in the morning. For a beginner, that’s all you need to start drinking mate. Drinking large amounts for long periods increases some cancer risks. The straw filters out bits of leaves. Avoid evening consumption, especially if caffeine sensitive. It contains more caffeine than green or white tea. It has small nutrient amounts. Steep varying times for different flavors. It’s an herbal tea, traditional in Latin and South America. Like black or green tea, it has caffeine. It’s available as loose-leaf, tea bags, canned drinks. Loose leaf offers fuller experience. Tea bags are convenient. Canned drinks are on-the-go.