Hey guys, Are any of you into yerba (herb) mate? I've recently gotten into it over the last couple of months and love it. People compare it to tea, but I personally think that's it's really different. I get a high from drinking it, whether that's due to it's debatable high caffeine content or not, I dunno. It's popular in Argentina, other South American countries, and Syria. You drink it out of a traditional gourd called a "mate" as well, and with a metal straw called a bombilla. If you've had mate, what are your thoughts on it? Some dude drinking some mate.
The Porteña who taught me Spanish brought her yerba mate for me to try once, and I was quite impressed with it. My initial thoughts were hmm... very strong. But the second I finished the mate I was hoping she would top me up, which she did and I enjoyed very much. I didn't get very stimulated from it, but I have always liked hot drinks. I shall be receiving one, and a sack of yerba mate when my brother returns from Argentina, to begin my addiction
Sick! My brother is in Argentina too haha. Mate is amazing! Actually writing about it on another website right now haha.
Hey man, It's an herb. Doesn't contain THC or anything like that, but gives you a little buzz/ high. When I drink it alone, it feels as if i just got done with some deep meditation. When I drink it with others, I feel that my bond with those who I share a gourd with is really enhanced. Let me know if you have more questions friend.
you didn't even answer his ONLY question. Should he really ask more? I'll reiterate his.....what exactly is in the stuff? as in, not just "an herb" but what are all the ingredients.
Hey man, There are no "ingredients." it's literally just a plant that some people say contains a high caffeine content. That's it. Some people add sugar to the drink, but I prefer it bitter. Many people also liken it to a tea.
Had to necro the thread since I remember it from a while back when it was posted. Made some cold yerba mate today and sweetened it with some agave nectar.. I believe I have found my new favorite beverage...
I was thinking about getting some mate, as coffee doesn't really seem to be doing what I need it to anymore. How's the effect it gives? I hear it's more focused and calm then coffee, which is basically what I'm looking for. I also prefer tea to coffee, so that's another plus.
Hey Frotto, It sounds like Mate is your drink. It gives you a calm sensation, but you will also become energized without all of the crackhead-like jitters that coffee can give you, haha. Most Mates have a bitter astringent feeling, but if you're not into it, you can add blue agave, brown sugar, or whatever you want to sweeten it up. I personally like it bitter, in Spanish people call it "amargo." I've been making crazy strides with my Mate website and YouTube channel, and I'm really happy you guys are getting into the drink and are so damn open-minded.
I drank it a few times while in Argentina . Not really my thing , I feel like you need to acquire a taste for it .
hahah lol , it's so weird to see you guys talking so facinated about something that here in Argentina is so common to drink
Yerba is my shit! My lil brother had to do a project for Spanish requiring him to bring Yerba to class. I was drinking a cup of that shit a day!
What's your favorite brand bro? Check out this video I just came out with: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGiv9qAPwmE]Yerba Mate in 2.5 Minutes - YouTube[/ame]
It's actually just a cheap mate from a supermarket in Buenos Aires (just an indication of how commonly used it is there!). It's wooden (not sure what kind of wood), with a thin protective/decorative coating of what I presume is aluminium. It's more or less a disposable mate, but with the correct curing they can last. The one in the photo cracked within a month, but the next one (exact same style from the same shop) was cured to the full extent, and has lasted over a year. I should take a photo of my ornamental mate, it is a much more traditional and hand crafted style. I just have it on display, because I don't want to ruin it.