Image
An image showcasing cups filled with yerba mate. I can’t get enough of this tea! It’s become my go-to drink for an instant boost of energy and focus.
Benefits
The long-term benefits of yerba maté are comparable to black tea. We will look at the benefits and side effects, and how to use it. The more consumed, the more benefits.
But remember, it is a plant like any tea you drink or vegetable you eat. It is proven to contain vitamins, minerals, and more. Of course, too much of one thing is almost never good. What you’re probably worried about is the cancer talk around this herb.
Consumption Amount
You keep drinking until you run out then buy more and continue drinking. The amount you consume daily depends on your tolerance. We generously enjoy herbs without hesitation. How much mint tea can you consume? People never consider how much coffee to consume—it’s consumed all day!
Equipment
Before you read anything else in this post, you need to get your yerba mate equipment together.
-
The traditional ritual is actually described in the name, Yerba Maté, which means “gourd herb”. The practice requires a mate (dried gourd), a bombilla ( a special straw that filters out tea leaves while drinking), and a thermos for transporting hot water.
-
The easiest way to prepare yerba mate is by using teabags.
-
Add yerba mate to an in-cup/mug infuser. Brew for 4 – 6 minutes depending on your desired strength.
Yerba mate is a social tea that’s meant to enjoy with friends and family. You’re supposed to fill up your gourd, drink it, fill it back up and pass it to the next person to enjoy. You can refill your gourd around 20 times! It’s known to have a bitter, earthy taste.
Caffeine Content
One cup of yerba mate contains 78 mg of caffeine, which is just a little less than coffee and a bit higher than classic black tea. It has more caffeine than green tea or black tea.
Brewing Instructions
How much yerba mate leaves per cup?
Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made by steeping dried leaves and twigs of the holly tree-like plant Ilex paraguariensis in hot water. This beverage has been enjoyed for centuries and is known for its unique earthy flavor and health benefits. The amount of yerba mate needed per cup varies depending on personal preferences and how strong or weak you want the brew. As a general rule of thumb, use 1-2 tablespoons of yerba mate leaves per cup of water.
The flavor of yerba mate varies by region depending on the soil quality. It has a strong, distinctive flavor. Traditionally served in a mate gourd with a bombilla straw, it can also be made in a teapot. Yerba mate increases energy, provides antioxidants and has possible health benefits.
The amount you drink daily depends on your tolerance. Some avid drinkers consume 1-2 liters per day. Think of yerba mate as an herb like mint – the Earth provides consumable herbs to generously enjoy.
To brew, fill a teapot or cup 75% full with yerba mate and add hot (not boiling) water. Let steep 3-5 minutes. You can usually get 2-3 brews from the same leaves.
Refills
How many times can you refill a yerba mate cup?
When drinking yerba mate from a gourd or mug, refill it as many times as needed until the flavor is gone. Depending on the gourd size and amount of yerba mate used, this can range from 10 to 30 refills.