The South American drink is made from the dried leaves of the holly plant native to the region. It has an earthy, herbal flavor reminiscent of green tea but more grassy. The leaves are steeped in hot water to make the drink.
The drink culture is linked to the history of the South American cowboy, who adopted it from native tribes. The traditional way to drink it uses a gourd (called a mate), metal straw (bombilla), leaves, and hot water. Simply fill the gourd with leaves, pour in hot water, and sip through the straw.
Drinking it is integral to rural and urban culture in parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Chile and Brazil. It’s common for ranchers to take breaks while working cattle in the fields. The drink offers a unique, refreshing alternative to coffee or tea.
It is a plant native to South America. Its leaves are commonly brewed into a tea-like drink consumed in parts of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile and Brazil. The name “mate” comes from the shared gourd drinking vessel traditionally used to prepare and serve it.
It has a long history dating back to indigenous tribes who viewed the plant as a gift from the gods. The flavor resembles a mix between tea and coffee, with grassy, herbal notes. It contains caffeine as well as antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
In parts of South America, drinking it is a beloved cultural practice that brings people together. Sharing mate is often a daily social ritual in Paraguay and Uruguay in particular, where carrying a thermos and sipping from a gourd in public is commonplace.
It contains caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Compared to coffee and tea, its caffeine content depends greatly on the brewing method. The polyphenols in it decrease oxidation and may lower cancer risk. It increases aerobic capacity mainly due to the caffeine stimulant effect. Its polyphenols increase HDL cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol more notably than increasing HDL, and reduce LDL oxidation a bit.
It is made from brewing the leaves of a South American holly-like tree. It contains almost as much caffeine as coffee but with feel-good chemicals of tea and coffee too. It isn’t acidic like coffee and has much lower tannins than tea, so it’s less bitter and more enjoyable to drink.
Many prefer the relaxed energy over coffee’s unpleasant side effects like jitters and crashes. Its caffeine is uniquely more balanced, sustained without jitters or crashing. I’ve shared mate during conversations, with guides, shop keepers, guards, family and friends.
Guayaki Yerba Mate is made from the leaves of the plant. This plant grows in the rainforests of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It has played a significant role in the cultural traditions of these regions.
It offers a mix of health benefits. It provides antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and amino acids. It can also stimulate euphoria. The caffeine in it promotes energy, weight loss and fights fatigue. It may also help depression, headaches and more. Enjoy it in moderation and consult your doctor before use.
To brew it, boil water in a tea pot. Place 6 teaspoons of leaves in a french press. Pour the hot water in and let soak for 10 minutes to extract the caffeine and nutrients. Add any additional flavorings as desired. Drink and enjoy its smooth, energizing effects.