Tea and mate are two popular drinks that have similar characteristics and properties but are also different in many ways. We often tend to think that mate belongs to the tea family, but that is not the case!
Let's see what are the main differences between tea and mate? Where do the two plants come from? What are the properties of tea and mate? What are the differences in taste and methods of preparation?
Summary
Origin of tea and mate
Tea originated in China and has been consumed for over 4,000 years. According to legend, tea was discovered by the Chinese Emperor Shen Nong , considered the father of Chinese agriculture and medicine. One day, while he was drinking hot water, tea leaves fell into his cup and infused the water, thus giving birth to tea.
Tea quickly became very popular in China and was introduced to other Asian countries, including Japan, Korea, and India. Today it is consumed worldwide and is one of the most popular beverages in the world.
Mate has been consumed by indigenous peoples in regions of South America for centuries and has become particularly popular in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. It is typically drunk from a gourd called a "mate" and is often shared among friends or family at social gatherings.
Tea and Mate: two different plants
Tea is produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant , while mate is produced from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant .
Camellia sinensis is a species of plant in the tea family (Theaceae), native to East Asia. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow several meters tall. It is mainly cultivated to produce tea , which is obtained from its dried leaves infused in hot water.
There are several varieties of Camellia sinensis, which differ in taste and aroma, as well as the growing conditions to which they are adapted. For example, the sinensis variety is grown mainly in China and India , while the assamica variety is grown mainly in India and East Africa . The leaves of both varieties are used to produce different types of tea, such as green tea , black tea , and oolong tea .
Tea Plantation
Ilex paraguariensis is a species of shrub or small tree in the family Aquifoliaceae , native to South America . This tree is commonly called " mate ", "yerba mate" or "mate tea". It is cultivated mainly in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil for its leaves and is endemic to that region.
Mate plantation
Taste and aroma of tea and mate
Tea and mate have quite different tastes . Tea generally has a more subtle and delicate taste, with aromatic notes that vary depending on the type of tea and production methods.
Mate, on the other hand, tends to have a more robust and earthy taste . It can have notes of nuttiness, chocolate, or very vegetal, depending on the brands, production methods, and types of mate . Mate is also often associated with a flavor that can be a bit bitter.
Generally, tea is considered more refreshing , while mate is often perceived as more energizing and stimulating .
Infusion of mate in a gourd
Method of preparation
Mate is an infusion prepared from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis shrub, which grows mainly in South America. To prepare mate:
- First, it is necessary to heat water to between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius.
- Then, the mate leaves are placed in a gourd called a " gourd " and hot water is poured into it.
- Let it infuse for a few minutes, then drink the infusion through a filter straw called a " bombilla ".
Mate can also be prepared in the same way as tea, by letting a bag infuse in a cup for example.
