It is said to have the power of coffee, is as healthy as green tea and tastes like chocolate. Can you prepare it properly?

Yerba maté originates from South America and is prepared from the leaves of the Paraguayan holly tree, a tree that requires quite specific conditions (altitude 500-1000 metres, high humidity and a temperature of 16-28 °C). On its home continent, this species of holly is found mainly in southern Brazil and the northern regions of Argentina and Paraguay.

Yerba mate offers us the following as a beverage:

  • strong antioxidant properties;
  • increased energy levels and improved concentration (due to its caffeine content);
  • reduction of fatigue (especially muscle fatigue) and improvement of muscle contraction, thus increasing athletic performance;
  • antibacterial effects;
  • accelerating metabolism and promoting fat burning.

How do you prepare a drink with so many beneficial effects?

YERBA MATÉ FROM A BAG

  1. Place 1-2 yerba mate tea bags slightly moistened with cold water in a cup.
  2. Pour hot water at a temperature of about 80°C over everything.
  3. Let the tea infuse for 5 minutes and then remove the bags.

YERBA MATÉ WHYEATENED TEA

  1. Into a teapot or French press pour 1-2 tablespoons of yerba mate tea slightly moistened with cold water.
  2. Pour ¼ - ½ litre of hot water over all at about 80°C.
  3. After five minutes of steeping, pour off the tea.

YERBA MATÉ From SYMPANOUS TEA THE TRADITIONAL WAY

Tradition has it that yerba mate tea is prepared in a special container called a kalabasa.

  1. Into the calabasa, pour 2-3 teaspoons of yerba mate tea slightly moistened with cold water.
  2. Place a metal straw called a bombilla in the container and slowly, carefully pour hot water at 80°C over it.
  3. Sip the drink in sips through the straw. You can refill the water as you drink, you will see for yourself if the tea still retains its typical taste.

Those who prefer their tea sweeter can sweeten their yerba maté with a bit of good quality, ideally unrefined sugar. Honey, stevia or molasses are also suitable.