Maté iced tea

What is mate? 

Maté is an infusion made from the young leaves of the Maté plant. The young leaves of the Maté plant are dried and then finely ground.

The plant grows in South America and is widely drunk there. In Argentina it is even the national drink. It is drunk from a gourd with a metal straw. 

Maté is very tasty both hot and cold, with a soft taste like green tea but slightly more smoked. It contains caffeine and, like tea, various antioxidants. It is a real energy booster and therefore also popular with athletes. In addition, the infusion is said to purify and detoxify the blood and strengthen the immune system. 

Necessities:

• Mate – Girl from Ipanema
• ice cube
• Large glass (250 ml)

Infuse about 2 grams in 125ml (half a glass) of boiling water for 5 minutes. Then add ice cubes until the glass is full. (half tea/half ice cubes). Add a slice of orange or honey to taste, if desired. 

We got this recipe from tea sommelier Barbara Veldhuizen from Tea Street.