Tea or Mate? The Essential Differences

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 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.

Yerba 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 usually drunk from a gourd called a "mate" and is often shared among friends or family during social gatherings.

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 reach several meters in height. It is cultivated primarily 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 in the growing conditions to which they are adapted. For example, the sinensis variety is cultivated mainly in China and India , while the assamica variety is cultivated 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 .

Ilex paraguariensis is a species of shrub or small tree in the Aquifoliaceae family , native to South America . This tree is commonly called " mate ," "yerba mate," or "mate tea." It is cultivated primarily in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil for its leaves and is endemic to this region.

Mate Plantation

Tea and maté 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.

Yerba mate, on the other hand, tends to have a more robust and earthy flavor . It can have notes of nuttiness, chocolate, or a very vegetal character, depending on the brand, production methods, and type of yerba mate . Yerba mate is also often associated with a slightly bitter taste.

In general, tea is considered more refreshing , while mate is often perceived as more energizing and stimulating .

Infusing mate in a calabash

Yerba mate is an infusion prepared from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis shrub, which grows primarily in South America. To prepare yerba mate:

1. First, it is necessary to heat water to between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius.
2. Next, the mate leaves are placed in a calabash called a " gourd " and hot water is poured over them.
3. Let it steep for a few minutes, then drink the infusion through a filtering straw called a " bombilla ".

Mate can be prepared in the same way as tea, for example by letting a bag steep in a cup.