Yerba Mate has been used as a beverage since the time of the ancient Indians of Brazil and Paraguay and is considered a national drink in several South American countries. In Europe it is used for physical and mental fatigue, nervous depression, rheumatic pains and psychogenic and fatigue related headaches. It has become popular as a weight-loss aid and appetite suppressant. It is an invigorating metabolism booster and helps to prevent over stimulation of the nervous system. Yerba Mate is rich in minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants that are thought to boost immunity and protect against colds and flu.
Traditionally loose Yerba Mate is drank from calabasa (made of squash like plant) or different drinking gourd / mate and sipped through bombilla (special straw / pipe).
It is important to remember that for the best results Yerba Mate should be brewed in 70°C (158°F), not boiling water.
If you are using calabasa, follow the instructions on the loose tea package how to brew it. Calabasa or drinking ground can be refilled with water until there is no more flavour in the leaves.
Mate is available as a loose tea to be drank through bombilla or in tea bags, what make the whole process much easier for me, as I did not learn yet how to use calabasa and bombilla :) Yerba Mate can be sold roasted or as a green mate tea, also with additions of red bush, ginger and other herbs. Personally roasted mate taste much better, less bitter to me. I like it with half a teaspoon of honey.
- Most information source: Che Mate website and Home Herbs.
Wow, when I firs saw this picture, I had a serious nostalgia wave. When i was much younger, I used to drink Jerba whenever I was at my granperents house, but I havent drank it for years now… I simply dont have anybody to drink it with.
oh, your post really brought up memories :)
uh, i do believe there’s been a bit of a mixup. there’s no such thing as “pathogenic acid,” and, if there was, it wouldn’t be something one would want to drink, as “pathogenic” just means “infectious.”
Naama – thank you for such a nice comment :)
Steven – thank you sooo much for noticing it, I removed it from the post.
Hi, Oh..we just love Mate. Recently we have been drinking the chocolate one, with lots of foamy soy and honey..when I am not addicted to coffee it it my choice of am beverage!! Thanks for reminding me.