The South American drink has a bitter taste thanks primarily to the tannins it contains. The quality of the yerba mate itself plays a crucial role in determining the overall taste experience, as higher-quality leaves are often less bitter and more flavorful compared to lower-quality alternatives. Brewing temperature and time play a crucial role in achieving the perfect cup. The water temperature should be around 150°F. This temperature allows the flavors and nutrients of the leaves to be extracted without the risk of burning them. Steeping time determines the strength and taste of the brewed mate.
If you find the taste too strong or bitter, there are ways to make it more palatable: Adjust the brewing time, as steeping the leaves for a shorter period can reduce bitterness.
Description of Taste
The herb is woody with a vegetable flavor, some smokiness, and bitterness associated with a grassy flavor more than tannins in black tea. It’s not for everyone but has many fans. I first discovered it while traveling and was intrigued by the unique taste. It is from South America and known for caffeine and health benefits.
Comparison to Coffee
Is it more bitter than coffee?
The infusion is used to make a tea-like beverage, but it does not contain any actual tea leaves. In general, mate is more bitter, more pronounced and bolder than green tea or other herbal teas. It has a slight astringent bitter taste due to the high tannin content of the leaves.
Its leaves are brewed to make a stimulating, caffeinated beverage. Referred to as the “drink of the Gods”, in some regions, it is even more popular than coffee.
Acquired Taste
The taste is bitter and tart when you drink it for the first time, so you can sweeten or add some dried fruits. You can find more ways to make a drink, try and experiment what taste the best for you.
Like a fine red wine, expensive cigar, dark rich coffee, and other things of the sort, it falls in the same category – acquired tastes. At first, they all taste terrible or at least unpleasant. More bitter than coffee and other teas. But some can handle the bitterness upfront. If you happen to be the former, there are ways to work around this as I’ll show you later.
What Should It Taste Like?
The infusion is used to make a tea-like beverage, but it does not contain any actual tea leaves. It’s best to drink it with water that has not reached boiling point. It is bitter thanks primarily to the tannins it contains. Some common notes include:
- Earth
- Grass
- Dirt/Soil
- Butter
- Smokey
If the leaves are kiln-dried or dried over an open fire, then the drink could acquire a smokey taste. In general, it is more bitter, more pronounced and bolder than green tea or other herbal teas. I would describe the taste to someone who has never had it that it tastes like a bitter earthy tobaccoey and sweeter green tea but bold and tart like a black tea with effects of coffee. It is very interesting. It’s very woody with a strong vegetable flavor and a bit of smokiness. There is definitely a bitterness, though it’s more associated with a grassy flavor. It’s not for everyone, but if you like it, you’re a member of a pretty sizable fan club of lovers and tea aficionados. The plant can grow in different settings, but the best tasting comes from leaves that have been grown in the shade of the rainforest. When it has not been grown directly in the sun, its leaves are more flavorful and nutrient-rich. It, a South American herb related to the holly whose leaves are drunk much like tea, has a taste that is different from tea, even green tea. It’s strong, earthy, bitter, and has a eucalyptus smell. Somewhat earthy, not completely unlike green pu-erh tea. A slightly camphor/eucalyptus smell and taste. Bitter, but not very astringent if prepared similarly to tea.
Least Bitter Types
Cruz de Malta has a pretty mild flavor, and thus it is an excellent option for beginners. That’s because this brand is less bitter than others. It also doesn’t have as many tea particles and dust that you can accidentally swallow. The most common way of drinking it is to continuously sip it, for several hours and adding more leaves or water as necessary. But the most common way of drinking it is to continuously sip it, for several hours and adding more leaves pr water as necessary. After several weeks and months of drinking it consistently, you’ll quickly come to love the way it tastes. Chances are, your first sip will make you grimace. It’s typically too bitter for the inexperienced to handle.
This organic is both smooth and bitter, with a similar taste to green tea. It gives a nice energy boost to the drinker without creating an overenergized feeling. In reality, this will result in “soup” that is unbalanced and unpleasant to drink. It is praised for its energy boosting properties and as such is enjoyed as a continuous drink as the day goes on.
Along with coffee and tea, it has become a favorite refreshment for many people — including myself!