This South American drink, originally translated as literally the ‘gourd herb’, is made from the leaves of the holly plant.
How to Prepare the Beverage in English-speaking Countries?
In English-speaking countries, prepare it using a special gourd called a ‘mate’ and a metal straw called a ‘bombilla.’ Fill the mate gourd about two-thirds full with leaves.
In North America, it has a niche as an energy herb, but in South America it is everywhere!
Benefits
- It Provides Healthy Stimulation. With its benefits and natural energy boost, it is a great choice for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional caffeinated drinks.
The best tasting mate comes from leaves grown in the shade of the rainforest.
Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea are, it has some stark differences from these two other wildly popular beverages.
It is a beverage akin to tea made from a plant native to South America. It contains caffeine and other stimulants, making it a popular alternative to coffee and tea.
How do you pronounce the drink?
The correct pronunciation is "YEHR-bah MAH-teh", with emphasis on the first syllable. Mastering the pronunciation ensures you can order it properly at cafes.
Originally consumed by indigenous peoples like the Guarani, it was later popularized by European colonials. Today it has gained popularity worldwide. The name comes from Spanish and Quechua. "Mate" means both drink and vessel.
What is another name for it?
The indigenous Guaraní people first cultivated it before European colonization.
It has a unique, earthy flavor. When served cold, the drink is called tereré. Most people drink it hot though. They pour hot water over dried leaves and sip the infusion through a metal straw. Sharing mate is traditional in South American culture.
It contains caffeine, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. It provides a natural energy boost with less crash than coffee.
You can brew it like tea, using a tea bag or infuser. Or brew it the traditional way in a mate gourd and bombilla. There is also a cold brew method popular in North America.
Is it actually good for you?
People there share it with family and friends. They believe it brings people together. Let us give you reasons to drink it:
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Contains antioxidants.
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Boosts energy.
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It helps the body purify itself and eliminate toxins naturally.
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It contains caffeine. It can cause insomnia, nervousness, nausea, increased heart rate and breathing issues.
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It reduces fluid retention and constipation.
The traditional way to drink it is from a gourd with a metal straw.