This tea is native to South America and residents of the region have been consuming it for centuries. Today, people all over the world drink it for everything from its health benefits to its gentle jolt of energy.
History and Culture
Its main ceremonial purpose is to help people bond with each other: the drinking ritual represents hospitality and welcoming and originated in South America. In the traditional ceremonies, the tea is prepared in a small gourd which is passed around a group of people who will drink it through a filtered metal straw, known as a Bombilla. Lots of it is put into the gourd followed by the hot water.
Buying Guide
Welcome to The Official Buying Guide, where you’ll learn everything you need to buy and start drinking like a True Drinker. Maybe you’ve just heard about it, maybe you’re still asking “what is it?,” or maybe you have had some experience with this incredible herb from South America.
Regions
When selecting the tea, it’s helpful to compare options from different regions. Each region has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. For example, Argentine tends to be milder and sweeter, while Brazilian has a stronger flavor. Next, let’s take a closer look at different products that include some of my all-time favorites.
The Playadito
The Playadito offers a distinct experience for tea enthusiasts, those looking for the best. This product leans more towards a stronger, bitter taste but is also noted for its subtle sweetness and herbal tones. As a beginner, it’s important to choose a that suits your taste preferences and provides a gentle introduction to this energizing beverage.
It’s made from Ilex paraguariensis plant leaves and stems which are dried and smoked. The smoked leaves are then steeped to make a tasty tea. Traditionally, mate is served in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw with a filter which keeps out leaves and stems.
It’s also reported that organic and tea bags can help boost metabolism and reduce appetite. This can help with weight loss and fat reduction, perfect for anyone looking for a new diet trick paired with a balanced diet. Preparing loose-leaf mate in a gourd is going to last a lot longer compared to a tea bag. While a tea bag gets used up after one cup, a gourd can be continuously refilled and reused.
Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea are, it has adaptogenic properties, which regulates the body’s systems. It is similar to nutrients found in tea that promote a sense of calm. Also potentially reduce body fat, boost metabolism, and reduce appetite with a healthy meal plan for weight loss.
Gourds
What to Look For
Look, feel, tradition: Calabash gourds trace back to original drinkers, so very traditional. The natural feel and look really enhance the whole experience! Hand picked, cut, hollowed, and refined. Price range: $20 – $75 depending on quality and ornate additions. Another great thing is the sheer variety of decorations that make each gourd unique. It is rare to find a non-decorated calabash gourd. Unlike all the types of bombillas and mates, gourds come in more shapes, sizes, materials. Deciding which one to buy can be very stressful as they all have pros and cons. Some require responsibility, while some don’t. Some are used for one thing, another gourd for something else. Confusion can come in. If you don’t choose wisely, you can end up with a poor drinking experience.
Maintenance
Sometimes referred to as mate cup, this merely containers made to hold mate tea. When gathering to drink mate tea from a gourd, there is some ceremony associated. There are rites performed the same way every time. It’s important to keep your mate gourd clean for it to last longer and ensure taste remains unchanged. Cleaning can be done quickly and easily.
Harvesting
Harvest usually occurs once every 2 years, in a rotating system, where only a part of the plantation is harvested at a time, providing a constant supply of leaves and giving the trees around 2 years to replace the growth lost in the pruning. After the trees have reached 4-6 years old, they are ready to begin being harvested. Mate cups come in all shapes, sizes, and materials: from bone to silicone, wood to ceramic, glass, metal and gourd.
This container is what Argentinians call Mate and they don’t go a day without drinking it. Drinking mate is not only a way to quench. It is a ceremony. To steep, fill your Mate cup with. You can use anywhere from 1/2 to 1 full teaspoon of Mate per cup, depending on how strong you want your drink to be.
Flavors
Best Flavors
It has an earthy flavor and can be enjoyed with or without added flavors. Some people find it bitter, but others enjoy its flavor. We will discuss the best flavors and health benefits.
The best Guayaki flavors include Orange Exuberance, Bluephoria, Lemon Elation, Tropical Uprising, Enlighten Mint, Revel Berry, and Cranberry Pomegranate. These blends combine it with fruits, herbs, and spices. The finished drinks are refreshing with a hint of spiciness.
Choosing a Flavor
To choose the best flavor, consider your preferences. If you like classic earthy flavors, try traditional blends. If you prefer fruity flavors, choose a flavored. There is a perfect drink out there for everyone.