Yerba Mate: Effects, Ingredients and Preparation of Mate Tea

Yerba mate is a traditional infusion drink from South America that is obtained from the leaves of the mate shrub. In countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil, mate tea is a firm part of everyday life and is often drunk from a gourd with a metal straw, frequently together in the circle of friends and family. Because of its natural caffeine content and its special taste, the drink has also secured a firm place among us in recent years. In this guide you will learn what yerba mate is, which ingredients the leaves contain, how to prepare the tea correctly and what you should know about quantity and safety.

What is yerba mate?

Yerba mate comes from the plant Ilex paraguariensis, an evergreen tree from the holly family that grows in the subtropical regions of South America. For the drink, the leaves and fine twigs are harvested, dried, chopped and aged for varying lengths of time depending on the style. The result is a greenish crumb mixture that is infused with hot water and, depending on the processing, can taste from grassy-tart to mild-nutty.

There are various processing styles that strongly influence the character. The classic mate common in Argentina is unroasted and tastes grassy-tart, while roasted varieties such as the Brazilian mate tostado are milder and nuttier. Another style is the green, fresh chimarrão from southern Brazil. In South America, mate is traditionally drunk from a vessel, the gourd, with a filter tube, the bombilla, and is often infused and passed around several times in a convivial group.

Ingredients of the mate leaves

The best-known ingredient of yerba mate is caffeine. The caffeine content of a cup typically lies, depending on preparation, between that of green tea and that of coffee. In addition, mate leaves contain other methylxanthines such as theobromine, which is also found in cocoa, as well as secondary plant compounds, including polyphenols, chlorogenic acids and saponins. These compounds are also partly responsible for the characteristically tart taste.

How much caffeine actually ends up in the finished drink depends on several factors: on the amount of leaves used, the water temperature and the steeping time. A mate infused several times from the gourd can deliver a considerable amount of caffeine spread over the day, because the leaves gradually release active substances over many infusions. Many people therefore appreciate the invigorating effect, perceived as even, that is spread over a longer period.

Preparation: how to make mate tea successfully

For the traditional preparation in the gourd, it is best to proceed step by step:

• Fill the gourd about half to two-thirds with mate.
• Briefly hold the vessel at an angle and shake it lightly so that fine powder and coarse leaves separate.
• First add a little lukewarm water to the deeper side and let it swell briefly; this protects the leaves.
• Insert the bombilla into the moistened area and do not stir any more.
• Infuse with hot but not boiling water (about 70 to 80 degrees).
• After drinking, infuse again; the leaves release flavour over several infusions.

Anyone who does not own a gourd can also prepare yerba mate like loose tea in a strainer, a teapot or a French press. Boiling water should be avoided in any case, as it makes the leaves bitter and the infusion unpleasantly sharp. For a milder taste, the roasted variety, a somewhat shorter steeping time or a smaller amount of leaves are suitable. Some also mix mate with herbs or drink it cold as a refreshing tereré.

Quantity and enjoyment in everyday life

Yerba mate is primarily a drink for enjoyment, for which no fixed consumption amount is prescribed. Because of the caffeine, however, the general recommendations on caffeine intake apply. The European Food Safety Authority considers caffeine amounts of up to about 400 milligrams spread over the day to be safe for healthy adults, whereby all sources are to be added together, that is, also coffee, black and green tea, cola and energy drinks.

Anyone who reacts sensitively to caffeine should enjoy mate rather in the morning and early afternoon and slowly approach the amount to their own tolerance. In the evening, caffeine can make falling asleep more difficult and make sleep more restless. As with coffee, individual sensitivity plays a major role, because some people tolerate considerably more than others. Drinking enough water alongside the mate is also a good habit.

Safety and what you should pay attention to

Yerba mate is considered a stimulant in usual amounts. You should nevertheless pay attention to a few points. Drinking infusion drinks very hot is generally viewed critically; the World Health Organization has classified very hot drinks, regardless of the variety, as a possible risk factor. So rather let your mate cool down a little instead of drinking it boiling hot. This applies to mate just as it does to coffee or black tea.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit their total caffeine intake; lower guideline values apply here than for other adults. People with cardiovascular complaints, high blood pressure or pronounced sleep problems should also keep an eye on the caffeine content. When buying, it is worth reaching for goods with transparent origin and, if possible, with testing for residues. Food supplements do not replace a balanced diet. If you are unsure or regularly take medication, talk to your doctor before regular consumption.

Yerba mate compared to coffee and tea

Many reach for yerba mate as an alternative to coffee. The caffeine content often lies between that of green tea and that of coffee, whereby the effect is described by many as somewhat softer and more even. Unlike coffee, mate is traditionally infused several times, so that consumption stretches over a longer period and the caffeine intake occurs in portions. In terms of taste, mate is considerably more tart and grassy than black or green tea and has a distinctive, slightly smoky character, especially in the roasted variety. Whether mate, coffee or tea suits you better is ultimately a question of taste, tolerance and personal drinking habit.

Buying and storing yerba mate

When buying yerba mate, it is worth taking a look at the variety and processing. Argentinian blends are usually strong and contain a lot of fine leaf powder, while Brazilian and roasted varieties turn out milder. For beginners, milder or roasted varieties are often more pleasant because they taste less bitter. Also pay attention to a transparent indication of origin and, if possible, to information on testing for residues. Finely ground goods produce a more intense infusion, coarser leaves a milder one.

For storage the following applies: yerba mate should be stored dry, cool and protected from light, ideally in a well-sealable container. This way, aroma and freshness are preserved for a longer time and the leaves do not draw moisture. You should tightly close opened packages, as mate otherwise quickly loses flavour and can become musty. Anyone who uses a gourd made of natural material should let it dry well after drinking so that it lasts a long time. With the right storage and preparation, enjoying mate becomes a relaxed, everyday-suitable routine. Many appreciate precisely the little ritual around the gourd and bombilla, which gives the drink its special character and, in its country of origin, is closely connected with conviviality. Anyone who adopts this tradition should merely make sure not to let the water get too hot and to keep an eye on their own caffeine amount, then nothing stands in the way of regular enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much caffeine is in yerba mate?

The caffeine content varies depending on the amount of leaves, water temperature and steeping time and typically lies per cup between green tea and coffee. Multiple infusions from the gourd add up over the day to a noticeable amount.

How do I prepare mate correctly?

Traditionally you fill the gourd halfway with mate, infuse with water heated to about 70 to 80 degrees and drink through the bombilla. Boiling water should be avoided, as it makes it bitter. Alternatively, a tea strainer or a French press also works.

Is yerba mate healthier than coffee?

Both are caffeinated drinks for enjoyment. Mate additionally contains secondary plant compounds, but, similar to coffee, is appreciated mainly because of the caffeine. A blanket statement that mate is healthier cannot be made seriously.

How much mate may I drink daily?

The general caffeine recommendation applies: for healthy adults, up to about 400 milligrams of caffeine per day from all sources is considered safe. Sensitive people should drink less and enjoy mate rather during the day.

Should I drink mate very hot?

No. Very hot drinks are generally viewed critically, regardless of the variety. Rather let your mate cool down a little and drink it warm instead of boiling hot.