What is 1 serving of this herbal drink?
On average, you’ll need around 1 to 2 tablespoons of this South American beverage for every 8 ounces of water.
When purchasing your first bag, you’ll notice most brands come in only two sizes – 500 grams (half a kilogram) and 1000 grams (1 kilo). The serving size isn’t exactly clear either.
Drinking this tea is an enjoyable experience, but many people are not sure about the right amount to use per cup. On average, most people use 2-3 tablespoons per cup. However, some may use more or less depending on their preference.
This caffeinated drink 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.
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset.
Often it is served in hollow calabash gourd with a metallic drinking straw known as Bombilla. It is the traditional drink of Argentina, where it is consumed in about 92% of the households.
In United States, Canada, and Europe, it’s not uncommon for an avid drinker to consume at least 1–2 liters per day. The amount you consume daily will mainly depend on your own tolerance and preference.
It is a small bush that produces evergreen leaves used to make this tea. The plant is native to southern parts of South America.
This drink is made by steeping dried leaves from the plant in hot water. It tastes somewhat like green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak.
Its origins are filled with folklore. Discovered by the indigenous peoples it was known as an herb from the gods used mostly for physical stamina.
It is a rare herbal tea in that it’s one of the few plants that naturally produce caffeine. Whether making it hot or cold, it is a great herbal alternative to coffee.
In Argentina this tea is very popular, with annual consumption reaching up to 14 pounds per capita. Over 90% of households drink it, often for breakfast or before sunset, both hot and cold depending on weather. Sharing it serves to forge emotional links between people, taking Argentinians back to their roots.
If the average gourd holds 30-40 grams, we can calculate how many servings are in a kilogram. We’ll divide 1000 grams (1kg) by 35 grams (average serving size) which comes out to 28 servings. 1 kilogram will last us about 1 month with daily use. A 500-gram bag will last half a month with 14 servings. This will vary from person to person. Considering inexpensive it is, you’re getting value.
It was first cultivated by indigenous Guaraní and some Tupí communities in southern Brazil before colonization. It’s traditionally consumed in central and southern South America, primarily Paraguay, as well as Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.
Stored properly in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture, it can generally last 1 to 2 years. Check for spoilage signs like musty smell, discoloration or taste change. Discard if present. It can last months refrigerated in an airtight container. It can be frozen in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
The indigenous Guaraní people saw it as a gift from the gods. Later European settlers called it "the green gold of the Indios." It provides a boost of energy like coffee. But it has less caffeine than coffee and more nutrients. Some research shows it supports weight loss, improves concentration and aids digestion.
It has a stronger, more bitter taste compared to green tea. It also contains different caffeine that may feel more energizing. The serving size is not very precise. Typically, half to two-thirds of a gourd is filled with the dried leaves. One kilogram of leaves makes many servings, lasting weeks or months.
Drinking it is a social tradition in South America. Friends and families share it from a gourd and pass around a special straw. This creates a sense of bonding and hospitality. People enjoy it throughout the day, often starting in the morning. It can be consumed hot when the weather is cold or as a cold drink when it is hot outside.