Mate Tea

What Is Mate Tea?

Mate tea (yerba mate) is a caffeinated, herbaceous drink made from the dried, ground leaves of a South American holly species (Ilex paraguariensis). It plays an important role in daily life in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.

Traditionally, it is drunk from a special vessel called a “mate” through a filtered metal straw called a “bombilla,” and is often shared among a group. Its flavor is herbaceous, earthy, and mildly bitter; its stimulating effect is between that of coffee and tea.

Mate Tea Nutrition Facts

Plain brewed mate tea is nearly calorie-free as a beverage; it mainly contains caffeine and natural plant compounds found in mate leaves. Unless sugar is added, its contribution of calories to a meal is negligible.

How to Think About Mate Tea

Because mate contains caffeine, people sensitive to caffeine and those drinking it in the evening may want to use caution. It is a drink consumed for enjoyment and its stimulating effect, as part of balanced fluid intake; a general recommendation is not to drink it very hot.

This is general information. Mate tea is a beverage and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Mate Tea

Good mate has dry, clean leaves with their characteristic herbaceous aroma and little dust. Avoid products that are damp, have lost their aroma, or smell stale.

• Leaves should be dry and clean.
• They should have their herbaceous aroma.
• Do not buy damp or stale-smelling products.

How to Store Mate Tea

Store mate in a sealed, lightproof container in a cool, dry place. Because it readily absorbs surrounding moisture and odors, keep it separate from spices and other fragrant products.

How to Use Mate Tea in the Kitchen and for Drinking

Mate is most often drunk with hot water from a traditional vessel and straw; it is also consumed cold (tereré) and in modern tea bags. Its herbaceous flavor can also be used as an aromatic ingredient in some drinks and desserts.

How to Prepare Mate

Fill most of the mate vessel with ground leaves, tilt it to one side, and insert the bombilla. Add hot water below the boiling point (approximately 70–80°C / 158–176°F) little by little and drink. Water can be added to the same leaves several times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mate tea like coffee?

Both contain caffeine and have a stimulating effect; however, mate has an herbaceous, earthy flavor and comes from a different plant than coffee.

Why should mate not be drunk very hot?

Because very hot drinks are generally not recommended, mate is also consumed with water below the boiling point, without making it excessively hot; this is suitable both for its flavor and as a general recommendation.

What does mate tea taste like?

It is herbaceous, earthy, and mildly bitter; some find it refreshing once they acquire a taste for it. It can be served with sugar or with lemon and mint, as desired.