Anyone drink Yerba Mate?

[sr71blackbird]

http://yerbanlegend.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/yerba-gourd-thermos_edited.jpg

I have heard about this for about a year and tasted a sample last month in Teavana, though I know they do not prepare it as it is traditionally done.
Does anyone here drink this? Any problems or side effects? Is it as good for you as they say?
I was in Trader Joes and they had it in bag form and I bought it and am drinking it now. I imagine that the traditional way has a great deal of sediment. Is the sediment objectionable? Does this stuff hurt your stomach or give you jitters? I am trying to get away from coffee entirely, and I always am drawn to exotic things.

I just ordered some from the brand thats on the thermos above that I saw on eBay and I also ordered a ceramic mate and metal bombicia (sp?)

[ChrisTheCop]

Possible side effects may include double posting.

[jauble]

One omy buddies had this...sediment isnt too bad I liked it very strong though.

[lleeder]

One omy buddies had this...sediment isnt too bad I liked it very strong though.

Thats my exact sediment. mispelling intended

[Judge Smails]

I'm not your mate, pal.

[sr71blackbird]

The bagged one I am drinking now seems to be fine, but I think Id like it stronger, maybe I needed a second bag. So far I feel good both mentally and stomach.

[jauble]

I'm not your mate, pal.

He's not your pal...guy.

[Judge Smails]

He's not your pal...guy.

I'm not your guy, buddy!

[sr71blackbird]

Easy boys! Have a mate and relax!

[Leticia]

I love Yerba Mate!!!!!


I used to drink the really natural stuff a few years back, and then I started getting Guayaki. Still very effective, but not the best yerba mate I can get.

I still drink that all the time tho.

Most amazing awake feeling, without being edgy or having your mind race. And I've never crashed from it.

[Leticia]

The bagged one I am drinking now seems to be fine, but I think Id like it stronger, maybe I needed a second bag. So far I feel good both mentally and stomach.

By the way, when I drank it with tea bags I always used 2.


It's completely healthy for you and a perfect alternative to coffee!!

:)

[sr71blackbird]

This is the only thread that matas!

[Sue_Bender]

It is good.

[Chigworthy]

I love the mate. We had a minimal discussion on this a few months back in the tea thread. Loose mate is definitely the way to go, and yes there is a lot of sediment, but you just deal with it. From what I remember, mate lies on the caffeine scale between coffee and tea. Mate mixed with black tea is also fantastic.

[sr71blackbird]

I love Yerba Mate!!!!!


I used to drink the really natural stuff a few years back, and then I started getting Guayaki. Still very effective, but not the best yerba mate I can get.

I still drink that all the time tho.

Most amazing awake feeling, without being edgy or having your mind race. And I've never crashed from it.

Cool! Hey, what do you think of the Canarias brand? Is there a brand you recommend? Could I use a french press?

[Hottub]

We buy Cruz de Malta. The real deal. Most of the Spanish markets carry it.
And the only way to serve it is in a bombilla. Just keep the kettle hot.

http://www.hungryinberlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/yerbamate.JPG

[sr71blackbird]

I thought the bombilla was the straw?
I saw something called the Ultimate Bombilla and it looked cool.
Is there any special flavor in that Mate?

[Chigworthy]

Cool! Hey, what do you think of the Canarias brand? Is there a brand you recommend? Could I use a french press?

I'm not a bombilla snob like Hottub, so I use the french press for it. Works fine for us common folk.

[sr71blackbird]

I got the Canarias mate today and I also got a pottery calabazza and these cool plastic filter bombillas, and I am wondering if I am doing this right, so please let me know.
I filled the calabazza about 3/4th full with Canarias yerba mate and I cupped the top and shook it until it was piled up on one side. Then I used very hot (but not boiling) water and I slowly added the water until it was saturated and then put my bombilla in it. Then I filled the calabazza up to the top with hot water. I sipped it and it seems very strong. Is it suppose to be? The bombilla has very fine plastic food grade mesh filter, and the tube is also plastic and flexible.
Is it the brand of mate? Is Canarias known for being strong? Its not bad, but I imagined it smoother, and I have refilled with water at least once and I bet I can keep refilling with water several more times until its "spent".
Up till now I have been using Teavanas yerba mate and the lemon grass flavored one. Neither of them are as strong, so I am wondering if this brand is the "French roast" of yerba mate.

[sr71blackbird]

Well, I have refilled it with water like 4 times now and its getting better, so maybe I was not used to its strength. Its preparation is relaxing, almost like a ceremony.