Mate was first cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and in some Tupí communities in southern Brazil, prior to European colonization. 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 most common way of drinking mate is to continuously sip it for several hours. Each steep releases more flavor and nutrients.
Mate is made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It helps preserve the environment while supporting local communities. When you’re trying to pick the perfect mate, consider factors like flavor and strength. I find that this mate recipe provides the best focus and energy.
Mate has 85 mg of caffeine for every 8 fluid oz. That is slightly less caffeine than a generic cup of coffee, but it also boosts your energy levels with all the good stuff in tea.
What are the rules for drinking mate?
- Mate is a species of holly native to parts of South America. It is used to make a tea-like beverage called mate.
- Mate has a long history of traditional use by indigenous Guarani tribes. It later spread in popularity to central and southern regions of South America through European colonization.
- The leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant are dried over a fire and steeped in hot water to produce the mate infusion. It has a flavor profile distinct from coffee or tea.
- When sharing mate, there are customary rules to follow. Passing the communal gourd around a circle shows friendship. Mate rituals like this connect people and represent hospitality.
In the United States and Europe, mate drinkers may consume 1-2 liters daily.
South Americans may safely drink 1-4 liters of mate per day. An experienced drinker may have 2-3 servings of mate a day. But moderation is required.
It’s best to drink mate before 6 p.m. to avoid sleep issues. Don’t drink it if irritated or stressed easily. Consuming very hot mate for a long time may cause esophageal cancer.
To prepare, soak mate in cold water first to avoid burning. Then insert a metal straw and add 158-185 F water. Don’t boil it.
Yerba mate may be served hot or cold.
Drinking mate became ingrained in the culture of South American cowboys known as gauchos, who frequently shared rounds of mate while working in the fields.
In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, it’s common to drink 1-4 liters per day. The method of preparation also impacts consumption. Serving mate in a shared gourd is a social tradition that encourages more frequent intake.
When brewing mate, steep the leaves for 3-5 minutes in water just short of boiling to maximize flavor and nutrient retention. The optimum mate temperature is between 160-180°F (71-82°C). Consuming mate before exercise can boost physical performance. Its appetite suppressing qualities can also promote weight loss by reducing caloric intake from snacking.