Tea bags offer convenience
Try different brewing techniques to suit your taste. Popular brands have various flavors.
The leaves brew into the caffeine-containing drink. It spread socially in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Health Benefits
- Air dried leaves lack carcinogens from smoking.
- It may be safe for daily drinking.
- Guayusa tea has antioxidants without risks.
How to Prepare Traditionally
To prepare traditionally, heat water between 65-80°C. Fill the gourd mostly full with dry leaves. Add water; sugar is optional. You can also use cold water to make tereré.
Millions enjoy matcha and the South American drink for the clean, long energy without coffee’s crash. Caffeine content is lower than coffee.
The flavor can vary depending on how the leaves were processed and how you prepare the drink.
Hot Preparation
To make it hot, the ground leaves are brewed with hot water inside the mate gourd. This is how Argentinians prefer to drink it. A thermos with 80 degree C water is always there to refill the gourd.
Iced Preparation
You can make it iced by brewing the leaves in cool water instead. Some people in Paraguay prefer this.
Amount to Use
The amount of the herbal drink needed per cup varies depending on how strong you want your brew. Usually 1-2 tablespoons per 8 oz of water is used. Brew for 2-5 minutes before drinking.
Flavor Enhancements
Some things that can be added to enhance flavor are:
- Orange peels
- Lemon peels
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Agave nectar
- Milk
- Coffee
Make your own unique drink tailored to your tastes.
Buying Pre-made
When buying it, avoid the canned or bottled kinds with added sugar. This can break a fast. For health benefits and proper fasting, use loose leaves to brew yourself.
Easy Recipe
- First, add leaves to a French press or strainer.
- Next, moisten the herb with cool water.
- Then, add 8 oz of 170°F water.
- Afterward, steep for 5 minutes and strain.
- Finally, flavor to taste.
Sweeteners
To make it sweeter, add sugar or honey. However, use moderation to avoid health issues. For example, add 1-2 teaspoons of sweetener.
Flavor Ideas
You can also try different flavors. For instance, add mint, ginger, strawberries or orange peel. This gives a nice fruity or earthy taste.
Pro Tips
- Never use boiling water to brew your drink, because that will make the resulting brew much more bitter. This recipe uses a blend of cool and hot water to make your taste awesome.
- At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, it contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea (4). Therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it may increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired.
Simplest Preparation
The simplest way to make it is to brew it like any other loose leaf tea, pouring boiling water over the leaves and letting it steep for 5-6 minutes. Make sure to filter out the leaves before drinking, so you’re not chewing your morning tea!