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“I’ve always wanted to try matcha!” - We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve heard this about mate. And, we have to admit, the confusion between these two drinks isn’t particularly shocking when you consider how similar they are, both in name and appearance.
Although these two drinks known for their benefits are similar, they are actually two different drinks.
So, mate or matcha ? We explain the differences!
Mate is an ancient South American infusion. It is the national drink of Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is also popular in Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, and Syria.
Here is a short 1min30 video to give you a quick overview of what this drink is:
"Matcha," which literally means "powdered tea," is a form of green tea. It is a type of very finely powdered green tea of Chinese origin, and particularly rooted in Japanese culture.
With a similar name, a very similar appearance, and similar benefits, it would be almost abnormal not to confuse these two drinks.
In reality, yerba mate comes in leaf form, which is visually different from matcha. But the mate consumed in Brazil, also called chimarrão , is a powdered mate that looks exactly like matcha. Image to support this:
Chimarrão (mate consumed in southern Brazil)
Matcha
Mate has been consumed for centuries by the indigenous Guarani people of Paraguay (hence the plant's scientific name: Ilex Paraguariensis ). Initially, it was consumed by chewing yerba mate leaves. It was later consumed as an infusion in small gourds, which gave the drink its name: "mati" means "gourd" in Guarani.
Although it may seem like it has only recently gained popularity worldwide, the tradition of matcha dates back over a thousand years. While this powdered tea began to be consumed in China , it was in Japan that it really took off. It was the Land of the Rising Sun that began mass-producing matcha and incorporating it into its tradition as a premium green tea.
Mate is prepared by steeping yerba mate leaves in a mate gourd (a container specifically designed for drinking this drink). The infusion is sipped through a filter straw called a bombilla. The unique feature of this drink is that the mate can be steeped multiple times (up to ten times!).
Learn more: How to prepare mate?
Just like mate, matcha requires a special preparation ritual. It requires a "chaseen," a small bamboo whisk designed exclusively for this drink. This beverage is prepared by using a little matcha powder, then adding hot water and whisking it with the chasen until a little foam forms on the surface.
Before going into details, you should know that both mate and matcha are two drinks full of virtues, often described as "superfoods".
Mate is primarily known as an infusion that can serve as a healthy alternative to coffee. Its energizing effect is more appreciated than that of coffee, as it is more diffuse and without a "drowsy" feeling. In addition, mate is very rich in antioxidants (nearly twice as much as green tea), vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It is also a powerful ally for fat loss, as it provides a proven dual effect: appetite suppressant and fat burner.
Learn more: What are the benefits of mate?
In fact, the benefits of matcha are very similar to those of mate. In fact, its caffeine content, similar to that of mate, allows it to provide a similar energizing effect . Likewise, matcha tea has excellent antioxidant power , thanks to its EGCG content, and is also rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
In conclusion, both mate and matcha are drinks worth trying, whether for their benefits or their taste. The real difference between these two drinks lies in the culture that accompanies each of them. Whereas matcha is more associated with meditation , spirituality and tranquility , mate is, on the contrary, a drink with values of sharing , conviviality and friendship .
Whether you're more of a mate or matcha person (or both), we've got you covered:
