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Mate tea is a very popular beverage in South America and is made from the infusion of small cut, dried leaves and twigs of the Yerba Mate plant. It is slightly less potent than coffee and much gentler on the stomach. Mate has a characteristic mature flavor which is somewhat sweet, bitter, withered leaf like, and alfalfa-like, similar to that obtained from tea (Camellia sinensis). Of the 196 volatile chemical compounds found in Yerba Mate, 144 are also found in tea.
Did you know...
It is said that initially the Guaraní people started drinking mate in the region that now includes Paraguay, southern Brazil, and north-east Argentina. The Guaraní have a legend that says that the Goddesses of the Moon and the Cloud came to the Earth one day to visit it but they instead found a Yaguareté (a kind of jaguar) that was going to attack them. An old man saves them, and, in compensation, the Goddesses gave the old man a new kind of plant, from which he could prepare a "drink of friendship".
Preparation:
Use one teaspoon of mate per cup. It is vital to use hot water to infuse you drink rather than boiling water. DO NOT boil the water.
Brewing with hot water for 5-6 minutes will make you a more stimulating cup of tea while brewing longer will release more tanning agents. making the tea more relaxing.
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