Can you steep the drink too long?
The beverage is a plant native to South America, used to make a traditional drink. To brew, add leaves to a container and pour hot water over. Steep for 3-5 minutes, using a metal straw to drink from. This allows the full flavor to extract, without getting bitter from over-steeping. Less than 3 minutes may taste weak, while over 10 minutes tastes bitter. Adjust time to personal taste. Use about half the container’s volume of leaves. Too much overflows, too little seems inadequate but makes uniform brewing. Brewing vessels come in wood, glass, etc. Serve cold as "terere" or hot. It contains caffeine and antioxidants, which may boost energy, mental clarity, and have other health benefits. However, drinking over 1-2 liters daily for a long period may increase cancer risk. Overall, the infusion is comparable to black tea in health effects. Enjoy in moderation for its rich, unique flavor.
The infusion leaves can be steeped multiple times. The first steeping lasts around 5 minutes. This extracts initial flavors. Subsequent steeps last 2-3 minutes. Each steeping has a slightly different taste profile. Flavors become more subtle with each infusion.
The infusion is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of a South American holly plant. It has a rich, earthy flavor and contains caffeine plus antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.