UKKO Mate tea – 60 g

Mate tea – a natural source of caffeinated energy

South American mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is the continent's favorite traditional drink: in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil it has been part of everyday life for centuries. Mate passed around among friends remains a symbol of hospitality to this day.

Mate's stimulating effect comes from its caffeine, once also called 'mateine', although chemically it is the same molecule as the caffeine in coffee or the theine in tea. It also contains smaller amounts of theobromine and theophylline. Many people like it because they find the boost from mate gentler and more even than that of coffee.

Mate contains polyphenols and flavonoids (such as chlorogenic acid and rutin), which belong to the group of compounds with antioxidant effects. It also contains small amounts of B vitamins, minerals and triterpene saponins.

Green mate – the classic version

Mate is sold in two forms. Green (verde) mate is the traditional, unroasted version: fresher, grassier and more pronounced in character – this is what people drink in Argentina and Uruguay. The roasted (tostado) version is milder and more coffee-like, but retains less of the leaf's original character. Our box contains green mate.

100% cut green mate tea in a 60-gram pack. Additive-free, natural.

Effects and benefits:

Active compounds

Caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, polyphenols (chlorogenic acid), flavonoids (rutin), triterpene saponins, B vitamins and minerals in small amounts.

Characteristics of mate

• Invigorating, stimulating – mate's natural caffeine content helps when you need a little boost
• Moderate caffeine content – a cup of mate typically contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee; this is why many people find its effect more even
• Antioxidant compounds – mate contains polyphenols and flavonoids, including chlorogenic acid and rutin
• Distinctive grassy, slightly bitter taste – green mate has a bold, fresh character; you can soften it with lemon or honey
• 100% natural – a single ingredient, without added flavorings or additives; unroasted, green version

Responsible consumption: mate is a caffeinated beverage. 1–2 cups a day fit into a balanced diet in moderation. If you take medication regularly or are undergoing long-term medical treatment, consult your doctor or pharmacist before regular consumption.

Directions for use:

Preparing the tea

• Pour 200–250 ml (1 cup) of hot but not boiling water, approx. 80 °C, over 1 teaspoon (approx. 2–3 g) of cut mate tea.
• Cover, let it steep for 3–5 minutes, then strain.
• Let it cool slightly before drinking. A pleasantly warm, not hot drink is the most enjoyable – and gentler on the lining of the esophagus.
• 1–2 cups a day; recommended in the morning or early afternoon.
• You can drink it plain or flavor it with lemon or honey.

Tips

• Don't oversteep: left for more than 5 minutes, mate becomes markedly bitter. If you're trying it for the first time, start with 3 minutes.
• If the taste is too strong: a slice of lemon or a spoonful of honey softens it a lot – that's how it's often drunk in South America too.
• Storage: protected from light, tightly closed, in a cool, dry place.

This tea contains caffeine. Due to its high caffeine content, consult your doctor or pharmacist before regular consumption for children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in case of caffeine sensitivity or with cardiovascular disease! Consumed in the late afternoon or evening, it may disturb falling asleep.

IMPORTANT – when should you be careful? The tannins in mate may inhibit the absorption of plant-based iron, so drink it between meals; in case of iron deficiency or iron supplementation, leave a gap of 1–2 hours. Consumed on an empty stomach, it may cause complaints in people with sensitive stomachs. In case of anxiety, sleep disorders, heart arrhythmia or high blood pressure, caffeine may intensify the symptoms. If you take medication regularly, consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.

UKKO Mate Tea is a food product; its use is not a substitute for necessary medical treatment! Not recommended in case of hypersensitivity to mate. Results may vary from person to person.