If there’s one thing that gets me out of bed with excitement in the morning it’s my Mate. Hard to explain the feeling, but for those of you who don’t know about this stuff or haven’t gotten hooked yet (since it is an acquired taste), you might be missing out.. I used to have my own cappuccino machine and swore I would never quit coffee. I used to LOVE my Latte but now it’s all about my Matte.
Photo: crispincannon.com
Yerba Mate is a medicinal and cultural drink of ancient origins, which was introduced to the world by the Guarani Indians of South America. It has an outstanding reputation for promoting good health. The leaves of the rainforest Mate tree naturally contain 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and are rich in antioxidants. It’s known to have amazing health benefits such as boosting immunity, cleansing and detoxifying the blood, toning the nervous system, restoring hair color, retarding aging, combating fatigue, stimulating the mind, controlling the appetite, reducing the effects of debilitating disease, reducing stress, and eliminating insomnia.
There is caffeine in Yerba Mate, although it’s not quite the same buzz. I personally feel energized yet calm. I never get jittery or dehydrated like I would with coffee and I find it awesome before a bike ride or any physical activity. They say it’s likely the result of lower caffeine content combined with calming amino acids and muscle-fueling nutrients, helping athletes both mentally and physically without a jittery high (and resulting crash) as can occur from coffee.
My favorite kind is the Guayaki Yerba Mate. I get the “loose tea” and prepare it in a bodum, it’s a lot more fresh and potent this way. First you have to pour a little bit of cold water on the leaves so the hot water doesn’t shock them. Then let the boiling water cool for a good 5 minutes before pouring it in the bodum. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. I love honey in my Yerba, some people do nut milk and agave or maple syrup. But the original way to drink it is on it’s own with no sweeteners and from a gourd with a metal straining straw.