YERBA MATE

 As the weather is becoming bearable and sitting outside becomes enjoyable, my go-drink is Yerba Mate. 

    Yerba Mate comes from the naturally caffeinated leaves of a native species of holly tree, Ilex paraguariensis. Yerba Mate grows deep in the rainforest, and is grown and cultivated by yerbateros. Yerba Mate is predominantly drank by people in Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Southern Brazil. Each country has their own twist on how to make "un buen mate." I learned to prepare and drink my mate like Uruguayanos drink theirs. 

    Yerba Mate has a multitude of benefits (that are science backed) that shouldn't go overlooked: 

1) They contain a plethora of antioxidants and nutrients

2)  Can boost energy and improve mental focus

3) May enhance physical performance

4) may protect against infections

5) May facilitate weight loss

6) Can boost immune system

7) Lowers blood sugar levels

8) May lower risk of heart disease

     As you see there a plethora of health benefits to drinking Mate, but personally, I just love the taste. Even going one step further, I love the vibe and the atmosphere that is created when I drink a mate. In Uruguay, the pace of life is very slow and relaxed, and when they drink mate, they usually drink it with a group of people. Though I've never gotten the chance to sip on some mate in a circle with friends, you get the jist of the atmosphere that is imperative to truly enjoy this drink. 

Now for the fun part: THE RECIPE!!! 

What you'll need: a mate gourd, bombilla, yerba mate, hot water (but not boiling), thermos, kettle, lukewarm water, 

1) start heating up about 2 cups of water, and stop before the water boils (I personally use a kettle, but you can also use the microwave or use a keurig to get hot water) 

2) fill the gourd with 1/2-3/4 full of yerba mate

3) tightly place hand completely over the top of the gourd, and then shake the the gourd and mate for about 15 seconds.

4) when you place the gourd back on the counter, slant the mate at a 45 degree angle. 

5) pour just a little bit of luke warm water in the gourd, on the empty side of the slant, to about 1/2 of the empty side. 

6) Take your bombilla, place one finger over the mouth of the straw, place the bombilla, at an angle down in the gourd, going from the empty side and placing it at the bottom of the full side of yerba. It should be like scraping the bottom, being careful not to have yerba under the bombilla.

7) once the water is done heatin up, put the water in the thermos and then pour into the gourd. Let sit for a minimum of a minute before drinking (so the water can soak up the flavor).

8) then enjoy un buen mate and relax and enjoy life. Try to sit outside and enjoy nature. I have even attached some spotify QR codes if you need some musical inspiration to help you relax.

Here is a video that shows you how to prepare mate (Uruguayo)




Petre, Alina. “8 Health Benefits of Yerba Mate (Backed by Science).” Healthline, 17 Dec. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-yerba-mate. Accessed 18 Dec. 2018

Comments

  1. Cory KSeptember 24, 2021 at 7:09 AM

    From Cory King

    Interesting because I have never even heard Yerba Mate until reading this.

    ReplyDelete

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