Yerba mate vs. tea. A duel of giants!
Tea – one of the most popular drinks in the world. Yerba mate – known a little less, but gaining a growing fan base. Although these two drinks are often compared to each other, they differ in many ways, from their origin and history, to their chemical composition, taste and brewing method. Let's dive into the world of natural infusions and discover all the differences and similarities between yerba mate and tea!
Summary:
- Yerba mate is not the same as tea!
- A journey through time. The origin and history of yerba mate and tea
- Properties of yerba mate and tea. What do these two drinks contain?
- The art of brewing. How do you prepare the perfect yerba mate, and how do you brew the ideal tea?
- Yerba mate vs. tea. The ultimate comparison
Yerba mate is not the same as tea!
Many people fall into the trap of thinking that yerba mate is just another type of tea. But beware, dear infusion lovers! Comparing yerba mate and tea is like comparing apples with pears or... a skateboard with a bicycle – supposedly both are used for getting around, but they are completely different worlds! Although both drinks are natural and full of health, they are very different. The differences start at the level of the plant itself, from which the dried mate or tea is made and the infusion is then created. Yerba mate is made from the leaves of the Paraguayan holly (Latin: Ilex paraguariensis), while tea is an infusion of the leaves of the tea plant (Latin: Camellia sinensis). Each drink has its own unique flavour and properties and method of preparation – and that's just the start of the differences between them! We will try to look at each of these aspects and explain all the similarities and differences. One thing's for sure: the next time someone tells you that yerba mate is "a kind of South American tea", you can explain with a smile that it's like calling a pizza an "Italian pancake". Similar, but very different!
A journey through time. The origin and history of yerba mate and tea
Ready for a little trip back in time? Fasten your seatbelts as we go back hundreds of years to explore the fascinating history of yerba mate and tea!
Yerba mate – the drink of the gods from the heart of the Amazon jungle
The history of yerba mate is a story full of magic and mystery. Imagine the dense forests of South America, where the Guarani Indians discovered this extraordinary plant. According to legend, the god Tupa himself gave them yerba mate as a symbol of friendship and hospitality. The drink became a key part of the Indians' rituals and daily life. Interestingly, Ilex paraguariensis grows in only one place on earth – the borderlands of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The tradition of drinking yerba mate in these countries has survived for centuries and, to this day, the brew is an integral part of the culture of their people. Yerba mate is drunk at home, at work, in parks and on the streets – virtually anywhere the urge strikes. Yerba mate for the Latin Americans is like coffee for the Italians or tea for the British!
Tea – 5000 years of tradition in a cup
And now let's move to ancient China. Legend says that the history of tea began with... an accident! It is said to have happened when the legendary Emperor Shennong was sitting under a tree in his imperial garden. A few leaves fell into the cup of hot water he was in the habit of drinking – they tinted the water a beautiful amber colour, and a pleasant aroma began to rise from the cup. And that is how tea was born. As they say, coincidences do happen, but this one was exceptionally tasty! From then on, tea began its journey around the world. From China, it made its way to Japan, where it became part of the famous tea ceremony. Then tea arrived in Europe, where it caused a real revolution. The English loved it so much that they made it a national symbol. From there, tea spread around the world, becoming one of the most popular drinks on the planet. Although the homeland of tea is Asia, tea bushes are now also grown in the Middle East and Africa.
Properties of yerba mate and tea. What do these two drinks contain?
Yerba mate is a true treasure of nature and its properties are impressive! It contains vitamins A, B (B1, B2, B6), C and E, as well as the minerals: magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and silicon. As a result, yerba mate perfectly nourishes the body and supports its proper functioning. One of the most important components of yerba mate is caffeine, which has a stimulating effect, gives energy and improves concentration. This makes yerba mate a great alternative to coffee. But that's not all! Yerba mate also contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. They help fight free radicals, support the immune system and slow down the cellular ageing process. Regularly drinking yerba mate can also support weight loss, improve digestion and regulate cholesterol levels.
Tea, similar to yerba mate, has a lot to offer, but its chemical composition differs from the Paraguayan plant. It also contains vitamins: A, B (B1, B2), C, E and K and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and sodium. Like yerba mate, the tea is rich in antioxidants – it contains, among other things, valuable catechins, which promote heart health and protect against disease. It also contains caffeine, although the caffeine content is lower than in yerba mate, it still has a stimulating effect, but in a more mild way. In addition to caffeine, the tea contains theanine, which has a mildly sedative effect. This makes tea an ideal beverage for any time of day, without over-stimulating, but instead inducing a pleasant state of relaxation. It is worth noting that the properties of tea and the exact nutrient content varies from one type of tea to another – and there are many of these. Each tea has its own unique health benefits.
The art of brewing. How do you prepare the perfect yerba mate, and how do you brew the ideal tea?
After a little history and chemistry lesson, it's time for the secret art of alchemy! At first glance, it would seem that there is little difference between yerba mate and tea when it comes to preparing the brew. Just putting the dried leaves in a cup, pouring boiling water and you are done. Well, no. For both drinks, the process requires a little more effort – provided you are keen to preserve tradition and want to delve into the secret art of brewing and drinking each beverage.
Preparing yerba mate is a real ritual that has its roots in the traditions of the Guarani Indians. In order to enjoy the full flavour and properties of the South American infusion, a few essential accessories are needed: the mate cup (special container), the bombilla (metal filter tube) and, of course, the dried yerba mate. The first step is to pour the dried leaves into the mate gourd. Traditionally, a lot of it is poured, filling about 2/3 of the container, but you can start with smaller amounts, 2-3 teaspoons are enough to get to know the taste and the effect of the yerba mate. When you have poured in the dry ingredients, tilt the mate slightly so that the leaves move to one side, forming a "mound". Insert the bombilla and pour in the hot water. And here it is very important: it cannot be boiling water! The optimum water temperature for brewing yerba mate is around 70-80°C. Warmer water scorches the leaves and destroys their properties, and in water that is too cold, the yerba mate flavour and caffeine are released too slowly. After a few minutes, the infusion is ready to drink. A single serving of yerba mate can be infused several to even a dozen times without losing its taste or properties! In addition, yerba mate can also be prepared in other ways, such as a tereré – pouring cold water or juice over the dry leaves, which is ideal for hot days. You can also experiment by adding fruit or herbs to the dry, or even by replacing water with milk.
In the case of tea, the matter is a little more complicated, because as many types of tea and cultures in which it plays an important role, as many methods of brewing. Although on the surface, it would seem that preparing tea is simple – much simpler than yerba mate. After all, all you need is a cup, tea leaves and hot water. However, it is important to remember that depending on the type of tea, the temperature of the water and the steeping time can vary. For example, green tea is best steeped in water at 70-80°C for 2-3 minutes. The same is true for white tea, as delicate as the first snow. The optimum water temperature is 60-75°C and the steeping time is a maximum of 1-3 minutes. Black tea, on the other hand, requires boiling water and steeping for a slightly longer time, around 3-5 minutes. That's a lot of information to remember! On top of all this, there are different methods and traditions for brewing tea.
One of the most famous is the British tradition five o'clock tea – an integral part of the identity of the British people. It's an afternoon social gathering over tea and tasty snacks to fill the time (and empty stomach) between breakfast and dinner. The tradition of drinking afternoon tea – Earl Grey, English Breakfast or Darjeeling, drank with the obligatory addition of milk, accompanied by biscuits and mini-sandwiches – was started in the 18th century by the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, and the custom quickly spread in aristocratic circles. Elegant salons, fine china porcelain, silver spoons and three-tiered platters full of delicacies were thus integral.
Another extremely interesting tradition in which tea plays a central role is the Japanese cha-no-yu ceremony, which consists of a series of carefully defined rules. It is not simply tea drinking, but a spiritual and aesthetic experience – a meditation, a lesson in etiquette and a tasting in one. It is a ritual, a celebration and a performance! The tea ceremony was born in Japan in the 12th century, when Zen monks began drinking matcha (powdered green tea) to maintain alertness during long meditations. Over time, the ritual developed into an intricate art practised by samurai and aristocrats. Almost every element of the ceremony is important – the venue, the decor, the gestures and behaviour of the guests, the topics of conversation and, of course, the very way tea is served.
Yerba mate vs. tea. The ultimate comparison
Yerba mate and tea are two drinks that differ in many ways, but also have many similarities. Although they are made from two different plants, the ways in which yerba mate and tea are produced have common elements. Both drinks are prepared by brewing the dried leaves, and the act of brewing itself resembles a certain ritual. Both tea and yerba mate contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients. Both drinks also contain caffeine, although in this respect, yerba mate has a much stronger stimulating effect than tea, making it an ideal choice for those in need of an extra dose of energy. In terms of taste, yerba mate is much more distinctive. It has a strongly herbal taste, slightly bitter and astringent. Depending on the production method, smoky notes may be perceptible. It's a taste that takes some getting used to, but for many people this is part of the drink's charm. Tea, on the other hand, offers a wide range of flavours, from mild, herbal and floral to more intense and earthy. White tea is the mildest, most delicate in flavour. Green tea is subtle and more grassy, while black tea is strong and intense. Taste is the most subjective part of comparing tea and yerba mate – each drink has its fans!
Taking into account all the similarities and differences, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of tea and yerba mate, a fundamental question arises: which is better? Yerba mate or tea? It all depends on your preferences!
- If you are a fan of a strong boost and are not afraid of intense flavours, yerba mate could be your new best friend.
- If you prefer more variety and more delicate flavours, tea would be an ideal choice.
- Or why not opt for crazy combinations, such as yerba mate with green tea? Yes, such blends exist too! A great example are these two yerba mates: Rio Parana Silueta and Verde Mate Green Silueta, both of which contain gunpowder green tea. Another interesting combination is Mary Rose Yunnan Sapphire yerbatea, which includes Brazilian yerba mate and yunnan black tea.
Remember, there are no wrong choices in the world of natural infusions. Whether you choose yerba mate or tea, you will always gain something special. Or will you surprise your taste buds with a blend of both? The world of tea and yerba mate is waiting to be discovered! Cheers!
Source of information:
- Wikipedia: Mate, Tea.
- C.I. Heck, E.G. De Mejia, Yerba Mate Tea (Ilex paraguariensis): A Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Health Implications, and Technological Considerations, Journal of Food Science, 2007.
- A. Gawron-Gzella, J. Chanaj-Kaczmarek, J. Cielecka-Piontek, Yerba Mate – A Long but Current History, Nutrients, 2021.
- S.I. Trevisanato, Y.I. Kim, Tea and Health, Nutrition Reviews, 2000.
