What does yerba mate taste like? Discover the secret of the taste of the South American brew
Yerba mate, a traditional South American Indian infusion prepared from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, is gaining popularity around the world. It is valued for its stimulating and health-promoting properties, but what about its taste? What does it taste like and what can the taste of yerba mate be compared to? Is yerba mate strong? Can it delight? Or, on the contrary, reject? In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions and introduce you to this unique brew from a remote corner of the world.
Summary:
- Yerba mate – what does it taste like? First impressions
- Comparing the taste of yerba mate to other drinks
- Opinions. What do they say about the taste of yerba mate?
- Discover the fascinating world of yerba mate!
Yerba mate – what does it taste like? First impressions
If you are wondering what the taste of yerba mate is like, get ready for a real explosion of sensations! The first sip of the brew is an experience that is hard to forget. How to describe the taste of yerba mate? Imagine a combination of herbal freshness, mild bitterness, earthy depth and a subtle smoky note. It is somewhat reminiscent of green tea, but with a more pronounced finish. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it? It's a blend that might surprise anyone reaching for mate tea for the first time! This is no ordinary tea or coffee – it's a whole new category of drink! For newcomers, this original bouquet of flavours can be quite a challenge. The first encounter with yerba mate often resembles a culinary clash of cultures. The strong, bitter yerba mate can really surprise you with its intensity. It's an experience that can cause slight disorientation at first, but it's in this bitterness that its uniqueness lies. It is not a flaw, but a unique feature of yerba mate that adds depth and character. Some may find this drink difficult to take in at first, but patience pays off – over time you begin to appreciate the yerba mate's rich, multi-layered flavour profile.
Comparing the taste of yerba mate to other drinks
If you're wondering how the taste of yerba mate compares to other popular infusions, let's try some comparisons:
- Yerba mate vs green tea: Green tea and yerba mate have a lot in common, but they are also quite different. Both drinks have an herbal character, but the taste of yerba mate is definitely more intense, bitter and earthy. Green tea, in comparison, is softer and more subtle. Here you can also feel a slight bitterness, but it is much less pronounced. For many people trying yerba mate for the first time, its taste can be surprising and difficult to take in, whereas green tea is much more approachable – but with much less caffeine and much less stimulation.
- Yerba mate vs coffee: Coffee and yerba mate are two drinks that are often compared for their stimulating properties. In terms of taste, they differ dramatically. Coffee has an intense, roasted aroma and pronounced bitterness, while mate is more akin to a tea or herbal infusion – it has a vegetal flavour profile, is smoky and more earthy. Strong yerba mate can provide a similar level of stimulation to coffee, but its flavour profile is much more complex and ambiguous. For those looking for an alternative to coffee, yerba mate can be an interesting option, although its taste may take some getting used to.
- Yerba mate vs matcha: Matcha and yerba mate have something in common – both drinks have a distinct “green” flavour, but yerba mate is more bitter and less creamy. There is a sense of umami in matcha tea, while yerba mate remains in the area of bitterness.
Opinions. What do they say about the taste of yerba mate?
If you're wondering how others perceive the taste of yerba mate, get ready for a real storm of opinion! It's a topic that can ignite discussions to a head. Here is a cross-section of the opinions we found on the internet and that we often hear from our customers – from true fanatics of yerba mate and its flavours to total sceptics:
For many people, yerba mate is love at first sip!
„Yerba mate's taste is unearthly! It's like a journey into the heart of the South American jungle in every serving.”
(Camille, blogger)
„Strong yerba mate is my daily ritual. I can't imagine a morning without that energy kick and herbal depth.”
(Anna, lifestyle influencer)
„Sweet yerba mate with a touch of honey is my way of relaxing after a hard day. It's a drink that combines strength and deliciousness.”
(Mark, photographer and traveller)
Unfortunately, not everyone immediately falls in love with the taste of yerba mate. Sometimes we hear and read more sceptical opinions. Fortunately, many people manage to be convinced by the taste and the wonderful properties of mate!
„Bitter yerba mate? At first I thought it was a joke. It tasted like a mixture of herbs and ash. But after trying it a few times.... I think I might give it a go!”
(Katie, food blogger)
„I remember my first encounter with yerba mate – I thought someone was trying to poison me! But now? I can't imagine a day without my beloved mate.”
(Meggie, journalist)
Discover the fascinating world of yerba mate!
You already know what yerba mate tastes like and what you can more or less expect from your first sip. But where do you actually start? There are many types, flavours and variations of yerba mate available. So what should you choose to start with? We recommend gradually and slowly entering the world of yerba mate flavour. Start with the milder varieties first. Look for terms such as suave or con palo (with sticks) on packaging and labels, e.g. Rosamonte Suave. You can also try mate with fruit or herb additives. It's like a “light” version of yerba mate. A wide range of flavour combinations are offered by the Verde Mate and Yaguar brands, and we particularly recommend flavours such as Verde Mate Green Melocoton or Yaguar Mango Tango to start with. Once you are more familiar with the taste of yerba mate, you can try stronger varieties such as Guarani or, for the real hardcore drinkers, El Fuego. Once you've found faxourite your yerba mate, it's time to prepare it properly. Not sure how to do it? Take a look at our guide. And here we have a few tricks that your mate will taste like a dream:
- Water temperature. Not too hot! The ideal is around 70-80°C. Boiling water can make bitter yerba mate even more bitter!
- Brewing time. Start with a shorter brewing time (2-3 minutes) and gradually increase until you find your ideal flavour and strength of brew.
- Proportions. Start with less yerba mate and adjust to your preferences. Remember, yerba mate is not tea – it's the intensity that counts!
What else can we advise for starting your yerba mate adventure? Try different brands and types of mate. Each has its own unique character. Play around with proportions and additives. And maybe you will discover a combination that will conquer your taste buds? And finally, remember: don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect. Opinions about the taste of yerba mate often evolve over time.Yerba mate is like a good book – sometimes you have to read a few chapters before it draws you in completely!
Source of information:
Recommended
Soul Mate Organica Energia 0,5kg (certified)
Yaguar Mango Tango 0.5kg
