Boiling water makes mate taste bitter.
There are different methods to brew the drink. With a tea strainer, teapot, French press or coffee maker, use one tablespoon per eight ounces of water. Let it steep three to five minutes. Tea bags are milder in flavor. Steep one tea bag per eight ounces of water.
Title: Mate Drinking Cups
Cups to drink the beverage from come in various materials like wood, ceramic and silicone. Gourd cups made from plants need to be prepared before first use. The longer the leaves steep, the stronger the flavor. Never use boiling water as it makes it bitter. Add cool water first to moisten the leaves then add the hot water. Five minutes is the maximum steeping time. The order of steps is:
- moisten leaves with cool water
- add hot water around 170 F
- let steep for two to five minutes
Title: La Merced De Campo Yerba Mate
La Merced De Campo yerba has a balanced classic taste with long-lasting productivity benefits of sustained energy and clear mind. It’s a great introduction to the earthy taste and non-overwhelming energy.
Title: Health Risks
Drinking very hot brew at 149+ degrees F has higher cancer risks likely due to PAHs which are carcinogenic. Too much caffeine can also cause migraines, high blood pressure, and sleep issues. Pregnant women should speak to doctors before drinking it due to increased miscarriage and low birth weight risks.
The tea is a healthy, strong alternative to coffee with better sleep and fewer crashes. Benefits include alertness, focus, concentration, and no jittery feeling.
Title: My Favorite Recipe
I find this recipe provides the best focus and energy. The steps are:
- Bring water to a boil
- Place 6 tsps leaves in a french press
- Add cold water covering the leaves
- Add 80-100 degree F water
- Let sit 2 minutes
The taste is initially bitter and tart. You can sweeten it or add dried fruits. Although I prefer coffee’s taste, I feel much better drinking it. It smoothly stimulates body and mind with a mix of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Title: Types of Yerba Mate
Argentinian yerba has more stems, a softer taste. Uruguayan and Chimarrão is lighter, fresher, and better for beginners. Tereré is the cold Paraguayan drink.
Does it get you buzzed?
Title: Effect on Body
It provides a smoother lift without side effects or crash often associated with coffee.
Despite people in South America drinking all day, don’t overdo it. Too much can have a laxative effect. Due to caffeine, it’s not recommended if pregnant, breastfeeding, anxious, smoke or drink alcohol as it may increase cancer risk.
Once consumed, it works fast, delivering effects in 10 to 15 minutes.
It has a diuretic, laxative effect. It reduces fluid retention, improves kidney function, eliminates toxins.
Avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Doing so risks acid reflux, nausea, anxiety, headaches.
Title: Preparation of Yerba Mate
The plant leaves and twigs are dried, typically over a fire, steeped in hot water to make tea. It contains caffeine.
Why does it make me high?
Title: Origins and Nutrition
It is traditionally consumed in parts of South America. Sharing it is seen as a sign of friendship.
It contains antioxidants and nutrients like xanthines, chlorogenic acid, vitamins and minerals. It provides stimulation similar to coffee while also potentially aiding weight loss and cholesterol levels.
Title: Common Preparation Method
The common method to prepare it is to add the dried leaves to a gourd or French press. Hot water between 150-170°F is then added and allowed to steep for 5+ minutes before drinking. Using a straw with a filter built-in enables drinking while leaving behind leaf residue.
Title: Health Impact
The health impacts vary based on the amount consumed and personal sensitivity to stimulants. Most research suggests up to 3 cups daily, or 1.5 liters total, is likely safe for healthy adults over a 60 day period. However negative side effects can still occur for some people at this level of intake. It’s best to start with small quantities when first using it.