Mate Tea

What Is Mate Tea?

Mate tea (yerba mate) is a caffeinated, herbal drink prepared from the dried and ground leaves of a holly species native to South America (Ilex paraguariensis). It holds an important place in the daily life of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil.

Traditionally it is drunk from a special vessel called “mate” through a metal straw with a filter called a “bombilla”, and is often shared among a group. Its taste is herbal, earthy and slightly bitter; it has a stimulating effect somewhere between coffee and tea.

Nutritional Value of Mate Tea

Plain brewed mate tea is almost calorie-free as a drink; it mainly contains caffeine and natural plant compounds found in the mate leaf. Unless sugar is added, its contribution to a meal's calories is negligible.

How Should Mate Tea Be Considered?

Since mate contains caffeine, caffeine-sensitive people and evening consumption may warrant caution. As part of a balanced fluid intake, it is a drink consumed for enjoyment and its stimulating effect; a general recommendation is not to drink it too hot.

This information is general; mate tea is a drink, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Mate Tea?

Good mate consists of leaves that are dry, clean, carry their distinctive herbal aroma and are not overly powdery. Damp, aroma-lost or stale-smelling products are not preferred.

• Leaves should be dry and clean
• Should carry a herbal aroma
• Damp and stale products should not be bought

How to Store Mate Tea?

Mate is stored in a sealed, light-blocking container, in a cool and dry place. Since it easily absorbs surrounding moisture and odors, it should be kept away from spices and aromatic products.

Using Mate Tea in Cooking and Drinking

Mate is mostly drunk hot, from the traditional vessel and straw; it is also consumed cold (tereré) and with modern tea bags. Its herbal taste can also be used as an aroma in some drink and dessert recipes.

How Is Mate Prepared?

The mate vessel is mostly filled with ground leaves, tilted to one side and fitted with the bombilla; hot water just below boiling point (approximately 70–80 °C) is added little by little as it is drunk. The same leaves can have water added several times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mate tea like coffee?

Both contain caffeine and give a stimulating effect; however, mate has a herbal-earthy taste and comes from a different plant than coffee.

Why shouldn't mate be drunk very hot?

Since very hot drinks in general are not recommended, mate too is drunk with water just below boiling, not overly hot; this is appropriate both for taste and general advice.

What does mate tea taste like?

It is herbal, earthy and slightly bitter; once accustomed to it, it is found refreshing, and it can be drunk with sugar or lemon-mint to taste.