4 ms·

America Loves Coffee. Why Not Yerba Mate

2 points by ecliptik 4y ago

ClapperHeid 4y ago
I bought a packet of it once. Really wanted to like it, but found it disgusting. The only way I can describe it is that it left a taste in my mouth like the smell of stale ashtrays suggests they would taste like. I'm quite prepared to believe that either the stuff I bought was crap, or my preparation of it was flawed. Because surely a whole continent can't be wrong?
- alamortsubite 4y ago
  A "packet" is definitely not the way to go about preparing a good mate, but it's also very much an acquired taste. Once you've gotten past your initial reaction, the flavor profile of various yerbas is really remarkable. Unfortunately, that can take a while. In cultures where it's consumed, everyone is constantly exposed to it, so the progression is somewhat inevitable.
barbazoo 4y ago
> Yerba mate isn't likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it. However, some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts of yerba mate over long periods may be at increased risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. Drinking very hot yerba mate — 149 F (65 C) or hotter — is associated with a higher risk of cancer than is drinking yerba mate at cooler temperatures. > One possible explanation is that yerba mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer. Tobacco smoke and grilled meat also contain PAHs. More investigation needs to be done into the safety and side effects of yerba mate. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/yerba-mate/faq-20058343 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-h... This sounds bad but I bet something similar could be sad about coffee or green tea, is that right?
- alamortsubite 4y ago
  I want to believe the temperature of the water is the biggest factor. A lot of people seem to consume yerba mate just barely below the boiling point.

2 points by ecliptik 4y ago

I bought a packet of it once. Really wanted to like it, but found it disgusting. The only way I can describe it is that it left a taste in my mouth like the smell of stale ashtrays suggests they would taste like. I'm quite prepared to believe that either the stuff I bought was crap, or my preparation of it was flawed. Because surely a whole continent can't be wrong?

alamortsubite 4y ago
A "packet" is definitely not the way to go about preparing a good mate, but it's also very much an acquired taste. Once you've gotten past your initial reaction, the flavor profile of various yerbas is really remarkable. Unfortunately, that can take a while. In cultures where it's consumed, everyone is constantly exposed to it, so the progression is somewhat inevitable.

barbazoo 4y ago

> Yerba mate isn't likely to pose a risk for healthy adults who occasionally drink it. However, some studies indicate that people who drink large amounts of yerba mate over long periods may be at increased risk of some types of cancer, such as cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. Drinking very hot yerba mate — 149 F (65 C) or hotter — is associated with a higher risk of cancer than is drinking yerba mate at cooler temperatures. > One possible explanation is that yerba mate contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known to cause cancer. Tobacco smoke and grilled meat also contain PAHs. More investigation needs to be done into the safety and side effects of yerba mate. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/yerba-mate/faq-20058343 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-h... This sounds bad but I bet something similar could be sad about coffee or green tea, is that right?

alamortsubite 4y ago
I want to believe the temperature of the water is the biggest factor. A lot of people seem to consume yerba mate just barely below the boiling point.