yerba maté glacé maison le tereré

Our homemade recipe for iced yerba mate

Time to read 3 min

Iced Yerba Mate: Tereré

THE cold drink of Paraguay


Originally from South America, yerba mate is traditionally consumed hot in a gourd (see our previous article).

But can we eat it cold?

Well, yes! We owe the cold brew, now the national drink, to the Paraguayans, who created their own drink and called it Tereré.


The origins of Tereré, cold yerba mate

Tereré is a traditional drink originating from Paraguay. It is an infusion of yerba mate (a leafy plant used to make stimulant drinks) mixed with cold or iced water, often flavored with herbs, fruits, or other ingredients. This drink is popular in several South American countries, particularly Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and parts of Uruguay.
The origins of tereré date back to the indigenous Guarani peoples, who inhabited the Paraguay region. The Guarani were among the first to cultivate and consume yerba mate. The use of yerba mate dates back centuries in Guarani culture, and it was later adopted by other ethnic groups.
Tereré has evolved over time to become an important social drink in many communities. It is often shared among friends and family at gatherings, and its social aspect is a key element of its popularity. Nowadays, tereré is also valued for its refreshing properties, particularly in the warmer regions of South America.

The benefits of Tereré

Tereré, like traditional yerba mate infusion, is associated with several health benefits, although some properties may depend on the specific ingredients added to the drink.

Here are some of the potential benefits of tereré:

  1. He is rich in antioxidantssYerba mate is a natural source of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body and contribute to cellular health.

    2. It's a natural stimulant. Yerba mate contains caffeine, but generally at lower levels than coffee. This can provide a mild stimulation, improving alertness and concentration.

    3. He has a stimulating effect on the immune systemCertain compounds in yerba mate may have beneficial effects on the immune system, strengthening the body's ability to defend itself against infections.

    4. He contributes to digestionTereré is often consumed during or after meals, and certain added ingredients, such as mint, can have soothing effects on the digestive system.

    5. He tells you hydrate. Due to its water-based nature, tereré can contribute to hydration.

    6. He reduces stressSome tereré lovers claim to feel a relaxing sensation after consuming the drink, which could be attributed to the combination of yerba mate and other ingredients.

It is of course important to note that the effects may vary from one person to another, that added ingredients have their role to play, and that excessive caffeine consumption can cause adverse effects. As with any stimulant drink, it is recommended to consume tereré in moderation!

Infusion glacé de yerba maté
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At Ma Caféine, we're already pretty addicted to yerba mate. It was therefore quite natural that we decided to try Tereré, a thirst-quenching drink ideal for the hot summer days ahead!

Terreé glacé maison aux agrumes
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Homemade Citrus Tereré Recipe

Preparation time

10 min

Infusion time

5-10 min

Servings

8 glasses of 250ml (2 liters)

Country of origin

Paraguay

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 iced tea pitcher with filter
  • approx. 750 ml of very cold water
  • 5 to 10 tablespoons of yerba mate (depending on how strong you like it)
  • 1 squeezed lemon.
  • 1/2 squeezed orange.
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons of amber maple syrup.
  • Lots of ice cubes or crushed ice.
  • Add lemon and/or orange slices, mint leaves... according to your taste

STEPS

  1. In your pitcher, pour very cold water.
  2. Add the squeezed lemon, squeezed orange and maple syrup.
  3. Then add the desired amount of yerba mate, stir with a spoon so that all the mate is wet.
  4. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Take a glass, add ice, and pour the teteré.
  6. Enjoy!

Products used

You can also consume it in your water bottle!

  1. To do this, follow the first and second steps, add the ice, but do not add the yerba mate to the pitcher.
  2. Take your gourd, place your bombilla (filter straw) and fill your gourd with the desired amount of yerba mate.
  3. Pour the flavored water from the pitcher directly into your water bottle and let it infuse for a maximum of 5 minutes, and drink with the straw!

You can re-infuse your yerba mate in your gourd up to 20 times during the same day!

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