What is mate and how to prepare it?
Are you familiar with mate? It's a plant from the holly family native to South America. Its infusion produces a caffeine-rich drink that instantly energizes you. Many of you have asked us questions about this plant and want to try it in a classic or traditional gourd preparation, which is why this month, mate is in the spotlight in this dedicated article at Un Air de Thé!
1- Mate is a traditional and ancestral drink in South America.
The first mate drinkers date back to pre-Columbian history
Mate, a drink popular in South America and around the world
2- What is the chemical composition of mate? What are its main active compounds?
Infographic a tea air
Mate contains various chemical compounds that make it a beneficial drink: stimulating, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, here are all the secrets of mate!
- Caffeine is a natural stimulant. Its content can vary depending on the variety of mate, the leaf harvest (young leaves have a higher caffeine content), and how the plant is processed. Green mate contains more caffeine than roasted mate.
- Theobromine is another milder stimulant than caffeine. It is also found in cocoa. This compound is thought to stimulate the production of endorphins and therefore have a beneficial effect on mood.
- Polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins) are antioxidant compounds. They are what give the drink its astringency.
- The minerals present in mate are potassium, magnesium and manganese
- Amino acids are also present, notably theanine, which promotes relaxation and has a beneficial effect on mood.
3- How is mate grown and harvested?
Mate, a plant of the holly family
Mate is grown from a small shrub called Ilex Paraguariensis, native to South America (this plant belongs to the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family). Mate plants require special attention; they are often pruned to encourage branching and dense foliage. After three to four years, the shrub finally matures and is ready to be harvested.
The mate leaf factory
The most tender leaves are cut and dried either in the open air or in special dryers. Finally, the leaves are cut more or less finely. The processing may also include a roasting step to develop certain aromas.
It should be noted that many mate producers store the leaves for a period of several months to a year before use. This maturation process allows the leaves to develop more complex aromas and flavors.
Photo credit: Dolcescena
4- What is the difference between green mate and roasted mate?
The production of green mate
Green mate is made from leaves that have simply been dried, so they retain their green color and maintain a fresher, grassier taste. Green mate contains a higher caffeine content.
The production of roasted mate
In the case of roasted mate, the leaves have undergone a roasting process, meaning they have been heated to alter their flavor and aroma. The leaves are dark, even brown, and have a more pronounced flavor with notes of caramel or chocolate. Roasting reduces the caffeine content compared to green mate.
5- What are the properties and benefits sought by mate drinkers?
Infographic a tea air
People drink mate for different reasons:
Mate, a natural energy drink
Just like coffee and tea, yerba mate contains caffeine. In addition, other compounds such as xanthines such as theobromine and theophylline also have stimulating effects on the central nervous system. This drink can therefore help improve concentration and responsiveness. It is therefore a popular drink for waking up at breakfast or early afternoon.
Mate, a cure of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It can help promote digestion , increase metabolism , and reduce inflammation.
Mate, the sports drink
This drink is also very popular with athletes, because on the one hand, caffeine improves physical performance, increases endurance, muscle strength but, on the other hand, mate helps muscle recovery through its antioxidant content such as polyphenols . These can help reduce the damage caused by free radicals generated during intense physical effort. It is therefore understandable that high-level athletes, such as footballer Antoine Griezmann, have adopted the Argentinian Yerba maté for several years!
6- Are there any contraindications or precautions to take when consuming mate?
It's worth remembering that each individual may react differently to mate consumption due to their tolerance to caffeine or other stimulant compounds. You should limit your mate and caffeine consumption in general if:
- You are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
- You are sensitive to caffeine and prone to insomnia and high blood pressure.
Caffeine can interact with certain medications, it is important to consult your doctor to check if there are any possible interactions with the caffeine in mate.
7- What is the difference between drinking mate and drinking coffee?
Photo credit: Dolcescena
Unlike coffee, mate is a stimulating drink that provides a more gradual energy boost. The caffeine in mate is released more slowly into the body, avoiding the infamous "caffeine spikes" with subsequent energy crashes. The same slow caffeine release process is observed with tea consumption.
8- How to prepare and consume mate?
Prepare your mate like a herbal tea
You can drink mate like any other herbal tea by infusing 3g of mate for 5 minutes in a volume of 300ml of water heated to 95°C, but you can also prepare it using the traditional method used in several South American countries.
Prepare your mate using the traditional method in a calabash
We collaborated with Bordeaux-based illustrator Lubie to design the tutorial shown below.
9- Is there a mate ceremony?
Infographic a tea air
In South American countries, mate consumption is widespread. "Drinking mate" is often considered a social and convivial practice. Therefore, we can speak of a ceremony if we combine all the following elements:
The calabash
The calabash, also called "mate," the most traditional are hollowed-out gourds, sometimes decorated with traditional patterns, leather, or fabric. You can also find calabashes made of wood, metal, glass, or ceramic.
The bombilla
The bombilla is a metal straw, with a filter end that allows you to drink while retaining the leaves.
Friendliness
Conviviality and the notion of hospitality are at the heart of the mate ceremony. This moment is shared in a group and the participants are often seated, gathered in a circle.
The cebador
The cebador is the person who prepares and serves the mate. They fill the calabash with mate leaves, insert the bombilla, and pour in the hot water. Then comes the time to taste the preparation to ensure the mate is ready before passing the calabash to those participating in the ceremony. As you might have guessed, everyone drinks with the same straw! During the Covid-19 period, health authorities recommended modifying ceremonies by specifying that the water be shared but not the bombilla or calabash!
The cebador or cebadora can be the host who receives guests, the elder, or the most experienced person. Traditionally, men were often designated as masters of ceremonies, but this is not mandatory; today, the mate ceremony can be performed by both women and men.
10- Try recipes using mate!
Recipe for preparing 1 liter of iced mate:
- Pour 12g of mate into a liter of water
- Let it infuse for 2 to 5 hours in the refrigerator.
- Add orange or lemon peel if desired.
- Serve the mate iced and add honey to sweeten according to your preferences.
Recipe for making an energizing smoothie:
- Prepare a concentrated mate infusion by infusing 10g of mate in 300ml of water heated to 95°C for 5 to 7 minutes. Then let it cool.
- Once cooled, add the mate, a banana, a kiwi, and a tablespoon of chia seeds to the blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Add ice cubes
- And enjoy chilled
11- Where to buy mate?
Photo credit: Dolcescena
In a specialist store
We offer several natural or flavored mates with natural aromas. You can choose between our green mates and our roasted mates in our Un Air de Thé stores in Bordeaux and Pau, or from our Un Air de Thé retailers.
Online, on the eshop
Find all our products on our online store unairdethe.com. We deliver to France, Europe, and the rest of the world!
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