Are you considering giving yerba mate a try but want to know what it tastes like first?

Yerba mate is known for its unique flavor that is mostly described as bitter and bold.

It’s quite different from the rest of the teas and beverages out there.

When you take your first sip of yerba mate, you’ll notice a stronger bitter taste that sets it apart from other herbal teas.

Unlike coffee, yerba mate has a smoother and more earthy bitterness, making it a unique tea that stands out from the rest.

What Does Yerba Mate Tea Taste Like?

As we mentioned, yerba mate has a unique flavor, texture, and taste that sets it apart from other beverages.

Let’s get into the details:

Flavor

Some say that yerba mate has a robust and a sharp flavor with strong bitterness that makes it different from the other teas.

The best description for yerba mate is that it has a bitter, earthy, and intense flavor with a hint of herbs.

Can The Taste Be Influenced?

You can influence the taste of yerba mate just like you would with any tea, by adding flavors. Depending on your preferences, add milk, honey, agave syrup, sugar, maple syrup, or spices to the tea to adjust flavor.

How long you steep is also a factor, the longer you steep the more bitter your tea will be.

Comparison With Other Beverages

Yerba mate stands out for its bold and bitter taste some people say are similar to coffee.

However, coffee has an intense roasted flavor, while yerba mate gives a different kind of bitterness with hints of herbs that set it apart.

How To Choose Your Yerba Mate

Yerba mate comes in various forms, each offering a unique experience based on the processing method and additional ingredients. Understanding the different options available can greatly enhance your enjoyment of this traditional South American beverage. Let's explore the ways to choose your yerba mate:

You can find loose leaf yerba mate teas in many forms and ingredients.

Some of the most popular differences are:

With Stems

Yerba mate with stems, also known as "con palo," includes both the leaves and stems of the mate plant. 

This blend is a milder type of yerba mate with a weaker and less bitter infusion.

The stems can mellow out the bitterness of the leaves and give a smoother taste without compromising the nutrients of the tea.

Without Stems

On the other hand, yerba mate without stems, known as "sin palo," focuses solely on the leaves of the mate plant. 

This type tends to be more vibrant and intense in flavor, as it allows to brew a stronger tea due to it being more concentrated.

If you are more after a bitter or stronger taste, it would be best to choose this type of yerba mate.

Flavored

Flavoring teas is a great way to explore taste combinations and which tea you like best.

Many flavors are available, and the most popular ones are orange, lemon, honey, citrus, and a lot more.

Flavored yerba mate is especially nice when properly sweetened and is amazing for beginners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Feel After Drinking Yerba Mate?

Yerba Mate may give you a sense of alertness and increased energy, and that is due to its caffeine content.

This means you’ll feel energized for a longer, sustainable period without feeling the jitters you usually would from coffee.

Does Boiling Water Ruin Yerba Mate?

Boiling water should be avoided when preparing Yerba Mate, as excessively high temperatures can indeed damage its flavors and beneficial compounds. 

It's recommended to use hot water that is well below boiling point, ideally around 160-180°F (70-80°C), to preserve the unique taste and health benefits of Yerba Mate. 

Is Yerba Mate Sweet?

Yerba Mate itself is not inherently sweet. However, you can personalize its taste by adding sweeteners like sugar or honey if you want a sweeter variation. 

Traditional Yerba Mate has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor profile, which can be balanced out with sweet additions.