{"title":"Mate","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMate – The trendy drink with a long tradition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, mate has established itself as a popular drink that combines both tradition and modernity. Originally from South America, mate has long since found a loyal following in Switzerland and across Europe. But what exactly makes this drink so special? In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about mate – from its origins and production to its numerous benefits and uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe origins and history of mate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMate, also known as yerba mate, originates from South America and has a centuries-old tradition. Centuries ago, the indigenous peoples, particularly the Guaraní, were already drinking an infusion made from mate leaves and valued it for its invigorating effects. Later, through colonisation, mate became known in other parts of the world too. Today, mate is considered the national drink in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Yet its popularity is also growing steadily in Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow is mate produced?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basis of mate is the plant \u003cem\u003eIlex paraguariensis\u003c\/em\u003e. The leaves and twigs of this plant are harvested, dried and often lightly smoked to develop their characteristic flavour. Depending on how they are processed, there are different varieties of mate, ranging from mild to strong. Traditionally, mate is prepared in a special vessel known as a \u003cem\u003ecalabash\u003c\/em\u003e, and drunk using a metal drinking straw, the bombilla.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe benefits of mate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMate is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a genuine superfood. Here are some of the key benefits:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e1. A natural source of energy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMate contains caffeine and provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee. It is therefore a popular alternative for anyone looking for a natural stimulant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e2. Rich in antioxidants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drink is rich in antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals in the body and protect cells. These properties make mate a healthy addition to your daily routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e3. Aids digestion\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMate’s diuretic and digestive properties are particularly valued in traditional medicine. It is said that mate can stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e4. Boosts concentration\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks to its caffeine and vitamin content, mate is often used to improve concentration and productivity. Mate can be a particularly helpful companion in stressful situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDifferent varieties of mate\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMate is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Alongside the traditional method of preparation, there are now modern variations that make the drink even more accessible:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic mate tea:\u003c\/strong\u003e The traditional method, where the leaves are steeped directly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMate lemonade:\u003c\/strong\u003e A refreshing blend of mate and lemon juice – perfect for hot summer’s days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMate energy drinks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Modern variations, often enriched with additional flavours and ingredients.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCold mate infusions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Also known as ‘tereré’, cold mate is served with ice water and fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow do you prepare mate?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparing mate may seem complicated at first glance, but it’s actually quite simple once you’ve got the hang of it. Here’s a quick guide:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFill the mate vessel about one-third full with mate leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTilt the vessel slightly so that the leaves stay on one side.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePour in a little cold water to moisten the leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSlowly add hot, but not boiling, water (approx. 70–80 °C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eInsert the bombilla and enjoy your mate in small sips.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who don’t have the traditional equipment, there are also tea bag varieties that can simply be steeped in hot water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere can you buy mate?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMate is now available in many supermarkets, organic shops and online retailers. In Switzerland, you can find mate both in its traditional form as loose leaves and as modern ready-to-drink beverages. When buying, look for high-quality products, ideally organically grown, to ensure the best flavour and maximum quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFinal thoughts\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMate is far more than just a drink. It represents enjoyment, conviviality and health. Whether you’re looking for a natural source of energy, want to improve your concentration or simply fancy trying something new – mate has something for everyone. Thanks to its versatility and numerous beneficial properties, it has truly earned its reputation as a trendy drink. Try it for yourself and discover why mate is cherished by millions of people worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e ","products":[{"product_id":"bio-morgentee","title":"Organic Morning Tea","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"h1 productpage_title\" itemprop=\"name\"\u003eMorning Tea - Organic - bioKontor\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart your day with a harmonious herbal tea blend of mate, sencha and licorice, rounded off with fresh, lively notes of lemongrass, lime peel, peppermint, spearmint and orange peel.\u003cbr\u003eThis natural wake-up tea contains only selected ingredients from controlled organic farming and, with its fresh herbal taste, is a gentle alternative to morning coffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✓ pure natural product - without added sugar or flavorings\u003cbr\u003e✓ green tea with natural caffeine and fresh citrus notes\u003cbr\u003e✓ easy preparation\u003cbr\u003e✓ available in a practical reusable screw-top jar or as a refill pack\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"420\" width=\"300\" alt=\"organic morning tea with sencha and mate\" src=\"https:\/\/www.biokontor.de\/img\/cms\/Morgentee1%20400.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e     \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cimg height=\"418\" width=\"280\" alt=\"organic morning tea with mate, sencha and lemongrass\" src=\"https:\/\/www.biokontor.de\/img\/cms\/morgentee-nahaufname%20400.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"bioKontor","offers":[{"title":"55g","offer_id":45755200209140,"sku":"41160","price":6.9,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true},{"title":"150g","offer_id":45755200241908,"sku":"41161","price":13.9,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0562\/9345\/8118\/files\/morgentee-bio-biokontor.jpg?v=1782664294"}],"url":"https:\/\/vitilove.com\/en\/collections\/mate.oembed","provider":"VITALOVE - Naturprodukte","version":"1.0","type":"link"}