This tea is made from the leaves of a South American holly shrub. To prepare it, fill a gourd or cup halfway with dry leaves then add hot water. Let it steep for a few minutes. Drink through a metal straw with holes called a bombilla, which filters out the leaf particles.
This caffeine-containing drink has a long history in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. It’s said to provide a balanced, smooth energy boost.
Ways to Prepare
- Traditionally – Loose leaf in a gourd or cup with hot water, drank through a bombilla straw
- French press
- Tea bags
Enjoy 2-3 mate drinks per day. Avoid drinking in the evening to prevent caffeine interfering with sleep. While safe in moderation, avoid drinking very large amounts for long periods due to cancer risk.
Grab yourself a handful of mate. Add the herb into a frenchpress, teapot, or traditional mate gourd. Then add hot water or make it cold. Wait a few minutes. Enjoy. That’s all you need to start drinking, especially if you’re a beginner.
Drinking involves sharing with friends and following traditions. Sitting around a campfire with friends, passing the gourd and sharing stories is key.
You can safely drink 1-4 liters daily. Avoid evening consumption.
It should be limited to 1-2 cups per day. More can lead to health risks. But it is a natural plant, like tea or vegetables. It has unique health compounds. Enjoy 1-2 cups daily to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Mixing Flavors
Flavor is strong, earthy, bitter with a eucalyptus smell. Blending invigorates senses. Health benefits are so great that in 17th century letter a Jesuit priest wrote “too many virtues were attributed to this herb”. Peppermint is soothing and awakening. The traditional preparation is with a gourd and bombilla filter straw. It can also be iced, called tereré. Other methods are french press and coffee machine. The plant is native to South America. It is popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile. It is made from dried leaves. It has caffeine so avoid drinking in evening. There are debates about benefits and side effects. The traditional preparation uses a gourd and straw. Other methods are french press, tea bag, tea pot and cold brew. Flavor can be improved by mixing herbs like mint.