Good day, dear readers. Currently, our market is saturated with a wide variety of teas from traditional to exotic. Among the latter, mate tea can be distinguished. He came to us from distant shores South America and forms an integral part cultural traditions Argentina.

According to South American Indians, mate tea is very ancient drink, its history goes back about 8000 years. Europeans learned about it thanks to the conquistadors who brought it to the Old World in the 16th century. For some time, mate lost its popularity, but in the 19th century, the Paraguayan holly reappeared in Europe - it was imported, described and classified by the botanist August S. Heeler.

Mate tea: properties

All the beneficial properties of mate lie in its unique composition. The South American Indian tribes believed in the divine nature of this plant, used it for treatment, escaped from hunger, and used it in ritual ceremonies. During long sea voyages, Spanish conquistadors healed mate tea from scurvy and fever.

Studies of the Paraguayan holly at the Pasteur Institute revealed the presence of almost 200 vitamins and trace elements in this plant:

• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• potassium;
• iron;
• B vitamins;
• xanthine alkaloids;
• vitamins A, C, E;
• copper;
• sodium.

This is just an incomplete list. useful substances, which determine the properties of this ethnic drink. The Paraguayan Indians call it the "elixir of life".

Features of harvesting raw materials for mate tea

This plant is a tree-like shrub, branched, with smooth bark. In free conditions, it is able to reach a height of up to 15 meters. On plantations where holly is cultivated, the plant is pruned, forming bushes no higher than 2 meters. This facilitates the process of collecting young shoots.

Mate - This plant is a tree-like shrub, branched, with a smooth bark.

The Paraguayan holly shrub is a tropical forest plant, which means that its parts are very saturated with moisture. Because of this, young shoots and leaves are subjected to prolonged drying at a high (50 ̊С) temperature. The resulting raw materials are well crushed, while the brewing of mate tea has a heterogeneous fraction, the presence of a small amount local dust.

Different ways of processing raw materials form varieties of mate tea. From the leaves and shoots dried in natural conditions (under the sun), mate green tea is obtained. Black tea is prepared at high temperatures, and for golden mate, the twigs and leaves are lightly smoked. In order for the raw material to go through all the stages of harvesting, it needs to “lie down” for a year.

Mate tea - benefits and harms

This exotic drink is eaten not only for pleasure, but also as healing remedy. Thanks to its rich chemical composition mate is used to restore strength and protective reactions of the body - it has a good tonic effect due to high content in the Paraguayan mateina holly. This substance is similar in its action to caffeine, but without side effects in the form of nervous trembling and rapid heartbeat.

A cup of warm tea will help increase efficiency, increase physical activity, and improve the body's resistance to viral infections.

• reduces the harmful effects of depression and neurosis;
• improves mood;
• relieves anxiety;
• relieves fussiness, emotional imbalance.

Many people note an improvement in the quality of sleep after drinking mate tea. The benefit is to reduce the production of adrenaline, as a result of which the sleep cycle is restored. This allows the body to have a good rest in the stage of deep sleep, relieve fatigue and stress.

Among positive qualities Paraguayan drink should pay attention to its ability to suppress hunger, and the acids in its composition accelerate the breakdown of fats, which allows you to use mate tea for weight loss by including it in your diet.

This drink stimulates work digestive system. Mate has a mild antispasmodic effect and has a slight diuretic effect, which has a beneficial effect on the activity of the kidneys.

The presence of vitamin P in the leaves of Paraguayan holly has a beneficial effect on the condition blood vessels. This drink helps to maintain their tone and clear atherosclerotic plaques.

Mate tea is good for the brain thanks to its phosphorus content. It activates its activity and helps to increase concentration.

An impressive list of advantages of Paraguayan tea speaks of the undoubted benefits of the drink. But at the same time, it must be remembered that there are a number of contraindications for the use of mate.

Mate tea is good for the brain thanks to its phosphorus content.

Beyond Research useful properties Paraguayan holly, the harm of mate tea was also studied. Despite the impressive list of benefits of this drink, it is not recommended to include it in your diet during pregnancy, during feeding, and also for children under 10 years old.

It is customary to drink mate tea in their homeland very hot, which, according to scientists, is another significant contraindication. Heat drink makes it carcinogenic and increases the risk of oncological diseases and frequent use mate hot.

chronic diseases and acute stages their flow will also be an obstacle to tea drinking. With hypertension, problems with the kidneys, lungs and bronchi. Overuse mate leads to a violation of the process of sweating and causes dry skin.

This drink does not go well with tobacco, alcohol and junk food(spicy, fried, meat dishes). Such a bad "company" can serve as a catalyst for the development of malignant neoplasms.

How to brew mate tea

In South America, there are a number of rituals and traditions in which mate tea "participates". How to brew and drink this ethnic drink, as well as rare recipes are described in the book by Ben Celero, a researcher of the culture of the indigenous inhabitants of this continent. To prepare Paraguayan tea, the following rules must be observed:

Some interesting facts:

• in order to get a real and rich mate in a brand new, freshly carved pumpkin, it must be prepared: dry tea leaves (more than half) are poured into a vessel, completely poured with boiling water and infused for several days, then this tea leaves are poured out, and the walls of the calabash are cleaned of white pumpkin fibers with a spoon;
• a tube for drinking mate - a bombilla - is often beautifully encrusted and decorated with various carvings, turning into works of art;
• one mate can be topped up hot water up to 8 times and enjoy your drink.

Mate tea: reviews

The unusual taste and ancient history of this drink allowed mata to find a fan all over the world. In each country, a national touch is added to the traditional “mate-drinking”. Judging by the reviews, it is valued for its tonic effect, which helps to cheer up after a night's sleep and gives strength for the whole day. In South America, mate is considered male drink conducive to thought. But many women are happy to drink this tea for weight loss, including it in the diet.

The real connoisseurs this drink prefer to refrain from buying this form of tea packaging. Real gourmets who know a lot about teas often prefer exotic varieties. For example, they do not need to be told what mate is and why it is so good.

An inexperienced person in these matters has such a huge variety of varieties of tea that, in beautiful packaging and colorful jars stand in rows on the shelves in stores, it can be confusing. Out of ignorance, many unfairly bypass exotic varieties. But some of them can benefit our bodies. For example, such a tea called mate, which is not very popular for our country, is very beneficial for health.

Tea, which came to us from South America, is sometimes called Paraguayan. And all because the tonic drink called mate is made from dried and crushed leaves and young shoots of the Paraguayan holly, which is also called "mate grass", mate and Paraguayan tea. The tree itself grows exclusively in Latin American countries.

Mate tea is very diverse. Paraguayan tea can be golden, green and brown. If the colors of the first two varieties of the drink are quite natural, then the tea leaves acquire a brown color after it is fried in a special way.

Whatever the mate variety, its taste is very unusual for a Russian person. It contains a little bit of bitterness, and at the same time a little sweetness - a rare combination, words cannot explain, you have to try it. The main thing here is to prepare the drink correctly. And there are a number of subtleties here.

Calabash and bombilla

It is not enough to buy mate tea itself. It is necessary to purchase special utensils for its use. First, you will need a vessel for making this type of tea, which is called calabash, or calabash. Initially, the Indians made them from gourds. Now, along with it, other materials are used. Such as, for example, oak wood, or porcelain, or ceramics. But if you cook mate according to all the rules, then you need to cook it in a calabash made from pumpkin.

Secondly, you will need something with which you will drink mate. This should be done with a special metal tube called a bombilla. Cane or bamboo reeds are also suitable. The second option is less preferable, since only the bombilla has a special strainer inside, thanks to which even the smallest particles of tea leaves are retained, as a result of which their entry into the mouth is completely excluded.

Not only do you need to use special equipment to prepare mate, it is important to follow the entire process correctly from start to finish. Especially if you use pumpkin calabash.

Before using this vessel for the first time, it must be "revitalized". To do this, fill the container with completely dry mate grass, fill it with hot water and leave for about a day. Then pour out the drink, scrape the walls of the vessel from the inside to remove upper layer softened wood.

After that, brew a new portion of tea in the container, which will be suitable for consumption. Such a long and, at first glance, unnecessary procedure for “revitalizing” the calabash is done so that the pores of the pumpkin are saturated with the substances contained in the mate grass, and henceforth you will not feel any extraneous tastes. A similar ritual should also be performed if the calabash for a long time not used.

But in no case do not leave the device filled for a long time. After standing for more than a day, the drink may become moldy, after which the vessel will have to be thrown away.

Calabash should not be stored not only filled, but also empty. Before putting it on the far shelf, it is recommended to fill the vessel with several grams of dry mate grass.

So, after the calabash has been infused for a day, the container is thoroughly cleaned and washed. After that, it is considered that it is ready for making a drink.

Everything according to the rules

There are many ways to brew mate tea. the classic way to prepare an unusual drink is this one: fill the calabash with dry mate by two thirds and shake it so that all the tea leaves are near one wall. After that, put the container on the table and insert the bombilla into it. Now you need to pour cold water into the calabash. But not to the top. Liquid should be a little more than half of the total volume of the entire calabash. The main thing is that the water slightly moistens the tea leaves, completely absorbed.

Readiness is determined by slightly tilting the jug. The tea leaves should swell a little and take on the appearance thick green porridge.

Then pour some hot water or boiling water into the container. After a couple of minutes, the drink is ready. It is not recommended to insist the mate for a long time, otherwise it will be bitter.

With each subsequent brewing, the amount of hot water can be gradually increased until the calabash is completely filled and foam is formed. If part of the tea leaves on top of the jug is dry at first, it's okay. It will be re-brewed during the subsequent brewing process.

They also drink mate in a special way. It must be sipped in small sips, and the bombilla must always be at the very bottom of the calabash. That is, you should drink tea from the very thick. This will save you from the possibility of getting hot water.

The inhabitants of South America have another recipe for brewing mate tea. For this you need orange juice. It must be added to calabash instead cold water. After that, just add hot water and put a piece of sugar. Well, now try it!

No orange juice? Then you can try another extremely interesting way brewing mate tea. He cooks the other way around. In one liter of boiling water, add dry tea leaves of mate and the same amount of sugar. Let it brew for a few minutes, mix thoroughly and - you can drink.

You can also use milk instead of orange juice. For several cups of tea, you need half a liter, no more. Heat it on the stove without bringing it to a boil. Add about 30 grams of mate to hot milk and mix thoroughly. After that, bring to a boil and immediately turn off. Strain through a strainer and pour into cups. In this case, calabash is not required, but you should not forget the bombilla. Why - we will tell below.

For pleasure and health

Mate is drunk both for pleasure and for some of the beneficial properties of this drink. Paraguayan tea, except amazing taste, has many useful properties. First of all, it is an excellent tonic that helps to restore strength and has a beneficial effect on the protective functions of the body. It is drunk to improve mood, relieve symptoms of nervousness and anxiety, and to increase physical activity. If you regularly drink the drink, then the obsessive feeling of anxiety will gradually go away.

Experts recommend mate as a remedy that affects the general psycho-emotional state and helps to calm the nervous system. This drink helps reduce blood pressure and for the better affects the work of the heart.

The tonic effect is achieved thanks to the mateine ​​contained in this herb. This substance is similar to caffeine, but more effective and does not cause side effects in the form of increased heart rate and nervous trembling. It allows you to increase the efficiency of the body and helps to increase its resistance to viral infections.

In terms of composition and trace elements, mate is comparable to ordinary black tea. It also contains vitamin A, E, C, P, B vitamins, as well as trace elements, including sulfur, magnesium, potassium, manganese, sodium, iron, copper, chlorine and some acids necessary for normal human life.

However, be careful!

With all the exceptional usefulness of Paraguayan mate tea, we must not forget that there are a number of restrictions and nuances that must be observed when drinking this drink.

Never drink mate tea on an empty stomach. Otherwise, unpleasant consequences from the stomach may occur.

You should not drink mate tea before going to bed, otherwise you will not fall asleep.

Can't drink given tea just out of a cup. Misuse mate without the use of bombilla can lead to deterioration of tooth enamel. Save your teeth! Do not let the drink linger in your mouth for a long time and do not drink it in large sips.

Do not drink hot mate. Scientists conducted studies during which some connection was found between the use of hot mate and cancer of certain organs of the gastrointestinal tract.

In general, as in everything, a measure is needed here. Try this amazing tea, enjoy and experiment! Drink by yourself and brew with friends. If you follow all the rules for the preparation and use of this drink, then soon you will certainly feel all its beneficial properties.

Some have only heard about it, others have already managed to appreciate this magnificent drink that gives vivacity and good mood. Mate tea - the legacy of the Indians of South America - has become a real gift for lovers of exotic drinks.

This is a fragrant drink that has a pronounced tonic effect. It is made from the dry collection of leaves and young shoots of the Paraguayan holly. This tall (up to 15 meters) shrub grows in other countries of South America, but the Indian tribes were the first to brew a drink from holly many hundreds of years ago.

Even then, they noticed its beneficial properties. After drinking tea, there was a surge of strength, stomach ailments passed. The Indians gave the drink the name "Mate" ("Mate"), which means "a jug made of pumpkin" - it was in such vessels that tea was brewed and served before.

The habit of drinking Mate was adopted by travelers and conquerors who arrived on the continent. He rendered invaluable assistance to them in the fight against the consequences of scurvy, which arose after long sea passages.

The Spanish conquerors brought Mate to Europe. But the drink was "an amateur", and did not immediately take root in European countries. Initially, it was used as a medicine to strengthen the body and fight anemia.

Today, Mate tea is popular. The holly grows both naturally and in specially created plantations, where the shrub is tended and then the leaves and shoots are harvested to make tea.

The chemical composition and calorie content of the drink

Mate tea contains alkaloids, tannins, iron, potassium, sodium, manganese, copper and magnesium. Also, those who drink Mate receive beta-carotenes and vitamins C, B, P and E.

100 g contains 151.8 kcal, as well as 13% protein, 11.3% fat and no more than 2.5% carbohydrates.

Thus, Paraguayan tea can provide a person with many necessary substances. And it's just amazingly delicious.

Useful properties of Mate tea for health:

This drink is truly invaluable:

1. The benefits of Mate tea are used in the treatment of a number of diseases. First of all, it should be drunk by those who suffer from ailments of the digestive system - gastritis with hyperacidity and heartburn, constipation.
2. The drink is able to normalize the pressure in hypertensive patients. It tones the walls of blood vessels, improves cerebral circulation.
3. The level of cholesterol, thanks to the use of tea, goes down.
4. A slight diuretic effect also refers to the beneficial properties of this tea.
5. Mate is also used to strengthen the immune system. It helps a person gain strength after suffering serious illnesses.

And it is also worth considering that matein, which is part of tea, invigorates no worse than coffee.

What is useful for women

Women drink Mate to lose weight faster. It allows you to lose extra pounds, as it accelerates metabolic processes in the body. In addition, with regular use of this drink, diets are easier to tolerate, since it dulls the feeling of hunger.

Mate is also useful for heavy painful menstruation

Useful properties for men

Paraguayan tea is invaluable for men who can not get rid of bad habits. It removes toxins from the body, reduces dependence on tobacco and alcohol. Thanks to tea, the body is updated and cleansed.

Instructions for use

Mate tea is brewed in a slightly different way than regular black tea. You will have to get calabash and bombilla - special dishes, close in properties to the authentic.

How to brew and drink mate tea

The best option would be to brew this type of tea in calabash. It is a special vessel, which can be purchased at stores selling various types tea. There you can also ask for a bombilla - an interesting tube with a filter.

1. Mate tea is poured into calabash. It should fill about two-thirds of the volume of the dish.
2. The calabash is shaken and tilted slightly.
3. Then a bombilla is placed in the vacated place, after which the vessel is placed on the table.
4. According to the line of the tube, cold water is poured. It should also occupy two-thirds of the remaining space. The remaining third is filled with boiling water.
5. After that, the tea is allowed to brew for 1-2 minutes.

In addition to this basic one, there are other various recipes making mate tea. It can be served with or with milk. In the latter version, up to 5 tablespoons of tea are poured into a liter of boiling milk, let it brew for a couple of minutes, and only after that they drink it.

Instead of cold water, you can use any sweet juices. Pour apple, peach, orange, pear or multifruit nectars into calabash. It is also allowed to add cinnamon and ginger to the drink.

Having learned how to brew and drink Mate tea correctly, you understand that you have mastered a real art that all lovers of this drink should definitely master.

You also need to know how to drink Paraguayan tea correctly. It is customary to slowly sip it from the dishes in which it was brewed, that is, from calabash. Leaving the drink "for later" is categorically not recommended - it will start to taste bitter, and the further, the more.

Those who have taken the time to study the rules of brewing Mate tea remain faithful to this magnificent drink for many years.

Mate tea for weight loss

Mate tea is part of many diets. If you simultaneously adhere to moderation in food and give the body physical activity you can achieve excellent results. Subject to all conditions, it turns out to lose up to 4-5 kg ​​per month.

In order for Mate to give the maximum effect, you need to drink it for at least a month. But not more than 1 liter per day. Otherwise, you can earn a pronounced tachycardia and insomnia, because the composition of the drink includes caffeine.

Thanks to this tea, metabolic processes are accelerated, which contributes to the burning of calories, the breakdown and removal of fats. The diuretic effect of the drink helps the body get rid of excess fluid.

Mate also dulls the feeling of hunger. A cup of tea instead of dinner or an afternoon snack - and you will feel great, quietly losing pounds.

To whom the drink is contraindicated, and what is the harm from it

• These are small children and women who are expecting a child or breastfeeding.
• Do not drink the drink and those who suffer colds with high temperature.
• It is undesirable to use Mate for persons with stones in gallbladder or kidneys, allergy sufferers and those who have an individual intolerance to this drink.
• Those with a predisposition to oncological diseases of the esophagus or lungs (inflammatory processes, heredity) are also better off regular use Paraguayan tea.

How to store

When choosing tea in a store, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. The country of origin is indicated on the packaging. It is best to buy tea made in Paraguay.
2. Also look at the expiration date. The collection should not be old - it loses its aroma and properties over time.
3. The best mate tea is made from hand-picked leaves. It is not at all clear how this can be verified, but knowing this fact does not hurt anyone.
4. The most fragrant and tasty will be a drink made from dry raw materials, which includes minimal amount shoots, and the maximum - leaves.
5. The packaging must be undamaged.
6. Tea may contain various additives. Which option to choose is a matter of taste.

To keep tea for a long time, you should choose for it suitable container. Tightly closed lid and sealed packaging will save nice smell Mate and avoid the absorption of foreign impurities. It is recommended to keep tea in a dry place.

You should not buy such a vegetable collection hastily at the first outlet that comes across. Better to walk in specialized stores- there you can choose the tea you like from several options, as well as purchase everything you need to brew it. And let the tea party be your holiday!

Tonic, tart, bewitching tea with a very rich composition came to us from South America, or rather, from Paraguay. There it has long been used both for friendly gatherings and as a medicine. The tradition of tea-drinking mate appealed to lovers of exotic and ethnic rituals, so by the end of the last century, Paraguayan tea became widespread.

The benefits of mate tea were also appreciated, which is why it was included in the diet of many people suffering from chronic diseases. And for some, this South American drink has become an equivalent coffee substitute.

Distribution history

In the Middle Ages, the holly tree grew only in Paraguay, where its leaves were used for this drink. But in the middle of the last century, holly became more widespread. Today it is grown for own consumption and for export in Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. This is due to the fact that there is a great demand for the import of Paraguayan tea in America, Europe and Asia. To understand the reason for such popularity, it is worth evaluating mineral composition and useful properties that mate has.

Nutritional value of mate

Because the drink plant origin, it is light and dietary, its dry calorie content is 61 kcal. It is devoid of fat, and proteins and carbohydrates are minimal in it.

But much more important is its vitamin and mineral composition, flavonoids, phytonutrients, alkaloids and organic acids.

Vitamins in the drink

100 g of dried leaves contain many vitamins, organic acids and minerals. Some vitamins are present in high concentrations, for example:

• PP - 8 mg or 57% of the recommended daily allowance;
• B2 - 1 mg or 56%;
• C - 10 mg or 12%.

In smaller, but no less valuable concentrations, there are vitamins B1 and A.

B1 and B2 are active participants in metabolism, A supports vision, C promotes cell regeneration and stimulates the immune system, and PP not only promotes normal absorption and distribution nutrients but also involved in the production of sex hormones.

Micro and macro elements

In many countries of the world, mate is also valued for its mineral composition, in which it is especially worth noting:

• Magnesium - 110% of the recommended daily allowance;
• Phosphorus - 103%
• Potassium - 99%;
• Calcium - 50%.

Sodium is also present, but in low concentrations. Research was carried out on dried leaves plants ready for brewing. But the benefits of mate tea are preserved even with proper brewing.

Tea tradition

The secret of the cooking procedure lies in a special vessel - calabash, which is made from a small pumpkin. The pulp of the vegetable is removed, the vessel-shaped bark is dried and framed with a metal rim for reliability. Leaves of mate tea, poured into calabash, are soaked for several minutes with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry. Only then is it poured hot water, cooled to 80°C. It is important not to overheat the water, because in this case, in the process of drinking tea, you can get a burn of the larynx.

The harm of this tea is associated with the peculiarity of the drinking procedure. It is not consumed in the usual way, that is, strained and directly from the mug. Especially for this drink, a metal tube was created, complemented by a strainer. As you know, through the tube the drink goes directly to the larynx, almost bypassing oral cavity. Tea overheated during brewing not only loses its useful qualities, but it also becomes very dangerous for the larynx and esophagus.

Matein is a worthy replacement for caffeine

In Paraguay, there is a special institute that has been studying the composition of mate tea and its effect on all body systems for many years. Scientists at this institute found that the drink contains a close analogue of caffeine - the alkaloid mateine. Its action is similar to caffeine: it stimulates brain activity, invigorates, activates the body's reserve capabilities. At the same time, matein is much softer than a relative, and acts 3 times longer. Mug for the average person strong coffee will give cheerfulness for 3 hours, and a cup of tart mate - 9 hours.

The drink is completely absent side effects- no trembling in the hands, negative impact on the nervous system, rapid heartbeat, no problems with sleep, no addiction. Moreover, light tea before going to bed will only help him and help him fully relax.

Effect on the cardiovascular system

The most serious effect has the regular use of Paraguayan tea on the walls of blood vessels and the heart muscle. Potassium together with magnesium contribute to the strengthening of muscle walls of cardio-vascular system, and calcium ions - normalization of the heart rhythm.

Polyphenols and chlorogenic acid regulate lipid metabolism, get rid of "bad" cholesterol, thus performing the prevention of atherosclerosis. Besides, active ingredients teas are able to prevent oxidative processes with reactive oxygen species, which prevents strokes.

Digestive system and weight loss

On gastrointestinal tract the benefits of mate are also reflected. Its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties help with poisoning and intestinal infections. The drink contains flavoncides that kill E. coli. Cool yerba mate helps to get rid of heartburn.

Tannins, which are about 14 mg in tea, help strengthen the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, help resist pathogenic microorganisms, and increase local immunity.

Especially valuable property for weight loss is to slow down the process of digestion, stop the oxidation of fats, accelerate the onset of satiety. Tea acts specifically on the part of the brain that is responsible for the feeling of hunger.

Chlorogenic acid directly affects the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body. It significantly lowers the level of glucose in the blood, accelerating its processing into glycogen, which is deposited in the liver. It is this acid that, when hunger occurs, causes the body to use its fat reserves and prevents it from using glycogen.

Mate tea for diabetes

Gradually, in the body of a diabetic patient, glycolysis of proteins occurs, that is, their combination with glucose, which is in excess. Such compounds provoke changes in the structure of proteins and most of the complications in diabetes. Tea contributes to the accelerated "neutralization" of glucose and is an inhibitor of the process of its connection with proteins.

Other health benefits of tea

Regular consumption of mate helps:

• reduce cravings for smoking and alcoholic beverages;
• slow down oxidative processes;
• suppression of bacteria, fungi and viruses;
• strengthening immunity;
• soothe inflammatory processes.

Contraindications to the use of mate

Scientists from the Paraguayan Institute found that regular consumption of mate tea in an excessively hot form can lead to cancer of the bladder, larynx, esophagus and stomach. At the same time, there is a special danger of the simultaneous abuse of tea, alcoholic drinks and smoking.

What do you think about mate tea? Write your feedback in the comments!

The world-famous South American mate tea is a drink made from the leaves and shoots of a tree called Paraguayan holly, and also Paraguayan tea or mate. It is a drink with a long history, unique in its composition and tonic effect.

Paraguayan tea is spelled hierba mate in Spanish. In Russian, two spellings of the word are considered correct - “mate” and “mate”. They are pronounced the same - with a shock "e" at the end. Although the whole world pronounces the name of tea with an emphasis on the letter "a" (the first syllable).

The word "mate" also refers to a vessel for tea or other drinks, made from a hollowed and dried gourd. But in the Russian language, an analogue of the name of such a vessel has taken root - calabash (or calabash, calabash).

History of tea

The exact time of occurrence of mate has not been established, but this drink was valued by the Indian tribes of South America in the 16th century. The mention of the word "mate" as the name of the vessel is found in literary works of the early 17th century, "mate potion" - in the first half of the 18th century. But tea itself existed long before that.

The Gauranis of South America have a very beautiful legend. In it, the goddess of the Moon and the goddess of the Clouds descended to earth. Inadvertently, they were almost attacked by an angry jaguar, but were saved by an old man from the Gaurani tribe. As a reward, they gave the old man a Paraguayan holly seed and a recipe for amazing tea.

Since the end of the 16th century, the European colonization of South America has led to the popularization and distribution of this type of tea. Today it is considered Argentine, although its use is included in national traditions Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay.

Properties and composition of tea

An infusion of holly leaves has unique tonic properties due to the chemical composition of the raw material from which it is made. In its composition there are:

• more than 10 acids useful for the human body, including nicotinic (vitamin PP), pantothenic (vitamin B5), ursolic;
• caffeine, tannin (tonic substances);
• protein;
• riboflavin (vitamin B2), rutin (vitamin P), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), choline.

Beneficial features

The list of beneficial properties of tea is very impressive. It is noted that as a result of its use:

1. Normalizes blood pressure.
2. The heart is better oxygenated.
3. Stabilizes blood circulation throughout the body (including the brain).
4. There is a decrease in high cholesterol levels.
5. The immune system becomes more resilient.
6. The mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines are restored.
7. Fortified nervous system increases stress tolerance.
8. Increased potency in men.
9. Reduced cravings for alcohol and smoking.

The main quality of tea is high tonic properties. Benefits of mate tea effective method relieve fatigue, refresh the head, give vigor and strength.

Is it possible to use infusion for weight loss

It is believed that mate infusion can be used for weight loss, it can help in the fight against extra pounds. It has a stimulating effect on digestion, improves metabolic processes in the body. Thus mate tea acts on weight loss.

Of course, it's ridiculous to expect a drink to magically "burn fat." Weight loss is a long process associated with food restriction and increased physical activity. A exotic tea can be a good help in this.

Harm from use, contraindications

The benefits and harms of drinking tea are determined by the individual characteristics of the person, the state of health. Like any highly active agent of natural origin, tea has a number of contraindications for use:

1. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood.
2. The presence of an inflammatory process, accompanied by fever, high blood pressure.
3. Kidney disease, stones in the urinary or gallbladder.
4. Allergic reaction to tea components.

For serious health problems, it is better to consult a doctor about the possibility of regular tea consumption.

Reviews of doctors

In discussion possible harm from the use of mate causes a lot of controversy a large number of carcinogens in the infusion. Carcinogens are poisonous and can trigger oncological diseases. According to doctors, this effect is associated with the use of infusion of very high temperature.

Tea should be brewed at a temperature not exceeding 80 degrees Celsius, and drinking should be moderately hot (not boiling water).

The properties of yerba mate were tested by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Organization healthcare. According to research results, very hot tea was officially included in the list of carcinogens.

Calabash with bombilla

A real calabash (or calabash, calabash) is made from a certain variety of gourd. It was from them that the Indians made calabash, generously decorating the walls of vessels with scorched or carved patterns. Subsequently adopted mate recipe and dishes for him, the Spaniards began to make calabash from certain types of trees (rosewood, oak), as well as porcelain, ceramics and even silver.

In memory of the round pumpkin, the calabaza for brewing tea has the shape of a small pot-bellied pot. In order to drink calabash mate, he is supplied with either a reed or bamboo stick, or a special tube - bombilla.

Bombilla is made of silver or cupronickel. It is all permeated with small holes, which filter the tea when climbing it, clearing the infusion from small particles of tea leaves. Calabash and bombilla are essential attributes of a proper yerba mate tea brewing ceremony.

tea recipe

It is necessary to properly brew mate tea, armed with special utensils and brewing raw materials. To prepare a traditional mate, a “tea master” will need:

• calabash;
• bombilla;
• a flat lid that fits snugly over the top of the calabash.

Ingredients:

• mate powder;
• boiling water.

Although exotic, the brewing ritual is not that complicated and consists of the following steps:

Step 1. Pour mate into calabash. The vessel must be filled with tea raw materials by 65-70%.

Step 2 The throat of the calabash is tightly closed, and the vessel itself is vigorously shaken several times. This is necessary so that large parts of the tea leaves are at the bottom, and the “dust” is on top.

Step 3 The water temperature for brewing tea should not exceed 80 degrees. Since water boils at a temperature of 90 degrees, after boiling it is allowed to cool slightly.

Step 4 Boiling water must be poured so that the distribution of raw materials in the vessel is preserved. To do this, the vessel is tilted at an angle of 45 degrees, and boiling water is slowly poured along the wall. Gradually, the calabash takes up a vertical position, filling completely.

Step 5 To prevent the bombilla from clogging with tea leaves, its upper part is tightly clogged with a finger, the other end is inserted into the vessel, carefully leading it along the wall to the very bottom.

Step 6 The drink brews quickly. The recommended time is from 30 seconds to 2 minutes (no more than 5 minutes). Tea is prepared immediately before drinking, and the longer it is infused, the more bitterness will prevail in taste.

How to drink mate tea

Traditionally, all those gathered for a tea party drink mate directly from the calabash through one bombilla. The “tea master” takes the first sips, and then the calabash is passed around. It is slowly sipped, capturing the thick at the bottom.

It was considered indecent and even offensive to come to tea with your bombilla. Such a tea party was both a beautiful ceremony and a ritual of rallying friends, uniting people into a strong union.

How to make a drink without calabash

If there is no calabash and bombilla, it does not matter. Mate tea can be brewed in the usual porcelain teapot and then pour into cups through a strainer. Of course, the tea ceremony will lose its South American charm, but the taste properties of tea will not suffer from this.

Types of mate tea

According to the territory of origin of raw materials, mate tea is divided into Argentinean, Brazilian and Paraguayan. To create raw materials, both a dry holly leaf and its stems are used:

• tea without stalks is stronger, richer and more fragrant (mate sin palo);
• the stalks in the tea leaves give the infusion a soft taste (con palo variety).

Other main varieties of mate:

• organic - tea leaf assembled by hand and “aged” for at least two years;
• traditional - the exposure period is equal to a year;
• "soft" - not as bitter as other varieties;
• “with smoke” (barbagua variety) - this feature is given by a special processing of the sheet.

For lovers, tea is produced with all kinds of fruit and berry additives. For example, popular varieties: with orange flavor - mate aguante tea, with cherry or raspberry, apple, lime, lemon. Option - Herb tea mate. Mint leaves and lemon balm are added to the main raw material. For people with diseases of the cardiovascular system, ginkgo biloba mate tea will be especially useful.

Additional Information! Mate raw materials are also used to prepare another drink called "terere". To do this, calabash with tea powder is poured with cold clean water or juice, adding spices and spices.

Packed mate

Popular Argentine mate tea in bags for tea leaves in a regular cup. Today in Russia, all popular varieties of yerba mate can be purchased in packaged packaging.

Tea bags are also popular in European countries, where complex tea rituals are not respected, and people are used to brewing and drinking tea as simply as possible.

ABOUT step by step instructions mate brewing, about the appliances that will be needed to prepare the drink, and about its taste characteristics in this video:

Mate tea is easy to prepare on your own, armed with special utensils and raw materials for brewing. It is popular for its tonic, healing and taste properties. However, there are contraindications to the use of this drink.

Hot mate tea is interesting for its ancient history, and its brewing and drinking according to all the rules is a beautiful exotic ritual.