What exactly is maté tea?
Maté tea is a tea drink, or a type of herbal tea, whose leaves are infused in water. Yerba maté tea is made by infusing the leaves of the yerba maté tree, which belongs to the holly family. The yerba maté plant was discovered long ago by the indigenous peoples of South America, who were among the first to recognise its beneficial health properties. Since then, the yerba maté plant has gained importance worldwide and is now consumed around the world. However, it is still mainly grown in South America, namely in Brazil and Argentina, where it is highly prized. In just a few working days, our maté tea can arrive at your home and win you over with its organic quality and pleasant freshness.
Does maté have beneficial properties?
Yerba maté is not only a delight for the taste buds; it can also have a positive effect on health and the body, especially when organically grown. Because yerba maté contains caffeine – although considerably less than green or black tea – it has a refreshing effect and is enjoyed by South Americans and all those who appreciate it, both as a healthy pick-me-up and as an alternative to a classic cup of coffee or green tea. Yerba maté can have a stimulating effect on the nerves, muscles and metabolism, and is essential for every curious epicurean and tea lover. If you pay attention to your diet, yerba maté can become one of your closest allies: it contains valuable vitamins and antioxidants that may help combat skin and cell ageing.
How do you prepare yerba maté and what does it taste like?
Preparing an infusion from the yerba maté plant is child’s play. There are many recipes, but let us start with the classic preparation method, traditionally used in South America. Begin by pouring a few grams of leaves into the maté cup, filling it to around halfway. Then pour hot water over the contents of the cup, namely the maté leaves, and leave the infusion to steep for five to seven minutes. You can then drink your freshly prepared maté tea, either hot or chilled. Its flavour is very distinctive and can be described as tangy, bitter and earthy. Of course, the taste may vary depending on the quantity of leaves used, as well as the sweetener or lemon added.
Enjoy authentic yerba maté
What equipment is needed for an authentic, perfect cup of maté tea?
To prepare an original, authentic yerba maté herbal tea, you first need a calabash, or gourd. This is the traditional bulbous vessel from which maté tea is traditionally drunk. You will also need a bombilla, a type of traditional straw that lets you sip maté tea from the gourd with pleasure and style. Depending on your thirst, the gourd can easily be refilled with hot water. This affects the result, as the leaves are infused either in a more concentrated form or somewhat diluted. If you wish to enjoy the beneficial properties of yerba maté tea even on particularly hot days, prepare it as usual, then leave it to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours. Add ice cubes just before serving and enjoy your refreshing summer maté drink, accompanied by a calabash, a bombilla and plenty of treats.
Kusmi Tea offers maté tea in many organic varieties, all available online via our website. Order your refreshing, healthy pick-me-up, including VAT and delivery costs. Payment is also possible in CHF, and your order will be delivered to your home on working days.