293196 Tue Jun 17 15:50:28 -0700 2003 6 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1603325 Anybody have anything to say about this tea? Likes? Dislikes? Favorite ways to prepare it? Tue Jun 17 15:50:28 -0700 2003 0 Nick 1 1603327 I've been drinking it for a few months now. Initially I tried it as a weight loss aid, but I found it was of absolutely no help in reducing my appetite. I did cut out coffe for 3 weeks, which was nice. Initially I brewed it in the gourd and drank it through a bombilla, butI found it to be too inconvenient, and I wasn't getting enough outof each gourd-full. Now I make it in a small French press and pur it into a cup. One tip, don't use boiling water, as it makes it taste bitter. I like the taste, and I don't add any sugar or anything. Nice buzz too. Tue Jun 17 16:01:45 -0700 2003 1603325 0 AlanH 1 1603341 One here: http://www.chowhound.com/boards/intl/messages/2778.html And a more recent thread: Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/292608#1597558 Tue Jun 17 18:00:36 -0700 2003 1603325 0 ADL 1 1603352 I was introduced to mate years ago by a Uraguayan friend. We drink it out of a vessel that looks very much like a hash pipe. I like the tart taste and I do think it's a slight energy booster (or is that just a psychological effect?) Tue Jun 17 19:21:59 -0700 2003 1603325 0 christina z 2 1603743 Dear Christina-- Yes, mate is an energy booster due its amount of caffeine--anywhere from 25-150mgs caffeine per cup as compared to brewed coffee, 65-100mgs per cup. It should be noted that there appears to be a great deal of variability in the amount of caffeine present per cup of coffee, mate or tea, even prepared by the same person using the same equipment and ingredients from day to day. Reference source avialable upon request! Doreen Sat Jun 21 20:10:17 -0700 2003 1603352 0 Doreen 1 1603356 Mate is my beverage of choice for long car trips, especially in places where the chance of finding good coffee is nil. It lasts better in a thermos than coffee, and it has caffeine but a bit mellower without the coffee up and down. I like an organic brand I buy at Whole Foods, very fresh and green tasting, I have tried the big bulk packages from argentina, and that is stronger/duskier flavor. Tue Jun 17 20:02:28 -0700 2003 1603325 0 ciaolette 1 1603508 Started drinking it a few years ago and love the stuff. Took me a few sips to get used to the bitterness though. I've made it in a french press and in a plain old coffee machine. Wed Jun 18 21:47:13 -0700 2003 1603325 0 elyhtak