Introduction
Whether you’re looking to get a taste, the best prices/deals, or a store able to ship to your country so you can finally get a taste of this herb, the stores below have you covered. PampaDirect has one of the largest selections of brands I’ve seen but they also offer them for a low price.
Like coffee or tea, it is definitely safe to drink every day and locals in South America drink anywhere between 1-4 litres of a day. While we don’t recommend drinking THAT much, feel free to incorporate drinks into your daily routine! I have had it with both Cedron or Lemon Verbena, and Burro/Burrito. Also if you take an anti-depressant like zoloft is it safe to drink it?
Health Effects
Studies suggest that a healthy person should drink 3 cups of 330mL of each per day, continued for 60 days. Even if you drink 1.5 liters daily, it is considered to be safe. Different health conditions have different effects. There are people in South America who drink more than 12-16 cups daily. It is considered to be one of the most healthy drinks. Referred to as the “drink of the Gods”, organic may cost slightly more than non-organic, but the benefits are worth it.
It, also known as mate, is an herbal tea with caffeine. Drinking it isn’t linked to health problems in most adults. A daily cup of tea made with three grams of leaves may be safe for up to 12 weeks.
Consumption Levels
In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. Let’s layout ideas:
- It is an herb. Like oregano and mint and parsley. When was the last time you asked yourself, how much mint tea can I consume?
- It appears to be adaptogenic.
It provides an energy boost due to its high caffeine content, It was called “the drink of the gods” by indigenous South Americans and later “the green gold of the Indios” by European settlers. Maté is becoming popular and can be enjoyed at any time of day, on its own or as a blend.
Best Varieties
Which one is the best?
Defining a great is about personal tastes and preferences. Traditional varies depending on the region where it is grown and enjoyed.
We put together a list of the best teas you can find, where to get and enjoy it. Taragui is one of the oldest teas. This Argentinian company ensures mate of high-quality. The taste is bitter, smoky with a scent of leather and mildly acidic aftertaste.
It grows best under rainforest shade. Leaves grown this way produce the best tasting mate. Conventional farms often use herbicides while organic farms rely on fairly paid workers. The extra cost of organic supports workers, the environment, and our health.
There is growing interest in it. It provides energy without the caffeine crash of coffee and may also help lower cholesterol and facilitate weight loss. Popular brands like Cruz De Malta offer an authentic, strong, smoky flavor while Taragui provides a bitter, leather-scented mate. Unsmoked varieties feature a milder taste.
It can be enjoyed hot or cold. Cold is called tereré. The tea is traditionally drunk from a gourd using a special metal straw known as a bombilla. Gourds, bombillas and other accessories are available where is sold or from specialty retailers.
Why is it addictive?
It is an awakening drink from South America. It has a strong taste with smoky flavor. The natural sweetness means no added sugar needed. It contains caffeine like coffee. So it can be addictive but does not cause hallucinations.
Recently, it has become popular in the United States. Its use as a health supplement has increased. Concerns exist about addiction from regular consumption. But risks are similar to drinking tea or caffeine.
It grows from an evergreen holly plant native to South America. The best tasting comes from rainforest shade leaves. It’s possible to grow it outside this region in controlled environments. The climate and conditions need to be close to what the plant needs.
The caffeine in speeds up the nervous system. But it is less potent than coffee for caffeine. The leaves can be steeped multiple times unlike coffee grounds. So more consumption occurs. It has vitamins and minerals so drinking a lot can be good for health.
It is traditionally drunk from a gourd. It’s passed around in gatherings to create bonds. People meet up in nature to peacefully sip over hours. Continuously adding water extracts more nutrients and flavor.