Mate is dried with smoky wood fire. Smoke contributes to the taste. Freed by hot water or air, depending on temperature and motion. With unsmoked mate, no ashtray flavors. Now, your palate fully developed, tasting various notes – strong and subtle. Some common notes: earth, grass, dirt/soil, butter. Mate is flavorful and energizing with a rich history. I’d describe it as a bitter earthy tobaccoey and sweeter green tea but bold as black tea with coffee-like effects.
Is traditional mate smoked?
Mate is traditionally smoked to give it a more full-bodied, and of course a smoky flavour. Mate tea contains PAH, a known carcinogen also found in grilled meat and tobacco smoke. Studies show that increased exposure to PAHs can affect the immune, reproductive, and neurological systems. Mate is possibly unsafe when taken in large amounts or for long periods of time.
Mate is a species of the holly genus (Ilex), with the botanical name Ilex paraguariensis A. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily in Paraguay, as well as in Argentina, Uruguay, southern and central-western Brazil, the Chaco region of Bolivia and southern Chile.
What does mate taste like?
The mate plant has an earthy, woodsy taste. Some describe this as similar to green tea. Some enjoy this flavor, while others prefer adding lemon, honey or milk. At first taste, mate can seem astringent due to the tannins. As you continue drinking it, you may notice more flavors – earthy, grassy, nutty, smoky.
Mate is very bitter at first, with a tobaccoey, earthy flavor. The bitterness is from tannins, as in black tea. Adding mint, citrus or sweetener balances out the bitterness for some. Flavored mates offer a twist, combining the traditional taste with other flavors. Popular options include mint, fruit flavors, chocolate, vanilla and cinnamon.
So in summary, mate has a very strong, bitter taste that some compare to tobacco or bold green tea. It may require adjusting to. But over time, you’ll notice its interesting complexity and flavors.
What is the difference between smoked and non smoked mate?
First, the leaves are dried over a live flame about 30 seconds. Traditionally by hand, now passed through kiln’s flame into rotary cylinder flowing with high heat and smoke. Mate is smoked to give a more full-bodied, smoky flavour. Smoke levels vary by brand, drinkers develop preferences. However smoking produces substances that may outweigh the benefits. So best choose unsmoked, air-dried mate. Unlike smoked, unsmoked dried using hot air, preserving flavors, aromas. Allows retaining full nutrition, antioxidants. Results smoother, milder flavor. popular choice.
Mate has caffeine like coffee, green tea but no jitteriness. Stimulation remains long after drinking. Coffee crash can happen. Made from mate herb, no actual tea leaves. Bitter when brewed. From Ilex paraguariensis tree, edible leaves make delicious tea. Best drink not boiling water. Has strong earthy flavor with grassy, mildly bitter undertone.