What is Yerba Mate?
The mate beverage is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. The mate cup is usually half full of mate. The gourds are made of metal, glass, wood, or clay. Everyone drinks it in a circle.
Maybe you’re new and want to find out how to prepare “the drink of friendship.” My aim is to make this simple and enjoyable. There are ways to prepare the herbal tea: traditionally with a gourd, bombilla and loose-leaf yerba; with a french press, tea bags, strainer, or coffee machine.
The leaves and twigs are processed and packaged and shipped. You’ll find a selection of natural yerba mate among Pizca del Mundo products. The traditional pot and straw are not heroes of cartoons, but how to serve the South American drink.
I would’ve done things differently to make my first experience more pleasant.
Consumption Levels
South Americans safely drink 1–4 liters of mate per day. In the U.S., Canada, and Europe, avid drinkers consume at least 1–2 liters daily. The long-term benefits are comparable to black tea. We will look at main benefits and side effects and how to use it right. The more you drink, the more benefits. But some plateau.
Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold. But the herbal infusion has become common canned or bottled to drink anytime. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people and takes Argentinians back to their roots.
Preparation Methods
The herbal tea is filled into the gourd and a metal straw placed into the leaves. Hot water is poured in at a 45° angle to leave space.
Yerba mate is an herbal tea popular in parts of South America. The leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant are dried, typically over a fire, and steeped in hot water to make this infusion. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.
Brief Guide
South Americans safely drink upwards of 1–4 liters of yerba mate per day. In the United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s common for avid drinkers to consume at least 1–2 liters daily.
We are going to provide you with a brief guide on how to prepare and drink the South American beverage, a tradition that has managed to cross decades and generations. Fill a cured mate cup just over half full with yerba mate. Tilt the gourd (cup) until the infusion covers the side and almost reaches the top. Put the filtered end of the mate straw into the tea, at an angle.
Enjoy your drink. Generally, the herbal infusion is steeped in hot water, not boiling, at a temperature similar to a green tea, around 160 to 180 degrees. Tea infusers work as well to infuse it. Whether you’re using a mug strainer, a tea-pot or a tea ball you’ll be satisfied!
Storage
Once opened, it should ideally be consumed within 6 months to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. It’s important to keep it in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. The amount used per cup is a personal preference, and it depends on several factors, including the strength, the size of your cup, and your taste buds.
Health Benefits and Risks
To reap the full benefits of the caffeine and antioxidants, hot water is continually added and drank slowly, often while sharing the drink with friends and family gathered together. However, side effects exist – increased cancer risk from regular, long-term high consumption. Restrict evening intake as it disrupts sleep. Monitor personal tolerance.
As an herb, it resembles mint or oregano more than coffee. Consume moderately, listen to your body and adjust intake accordingly.