By Peggy A. Alaniz
To say that it is an interesting year would be an understatement. At best it feels like a surreal dream has covered the landscape of Michigan. Never in my life did I think that toilet paper would be worth more than gold, that I would long for more than just an intimate gathering of a few family members, that I would be sharing internet time with children going to school—let alone have the energy to keep up with them! Some days my brain is so foggy that I would need a better jump start than what a good strong cup of black or Oolong tea could offer. So, as an alternative to true tea, I have turned to tea combined with yerba mate.
Yerba mate is an herb native to South America. It contains potassium, magnesium, and twice the caffeine of traditional black tea. To me it smells like hay. The earthy rich flavor comes through best when drinking it hot, however, I have been known to make iced tea with it. Yerba mate pairs well with peppermint and citrus, and I like it combined with black tea for a smother taste. Also, if I drink straight yerba mate, I become the obnoxious one in the household where even the children in my life ask if I will slow down. Basically, I am looking for a little pick me up from yerba mate, not a full-tilt-go-till-you-drop dose. The pick me up is nice because it does not have the crash that you get in those high-sugar energy drinks. I also do not drink it after 3 p.m. unless I plan on being up past midnight.
Yerba mate has a long list of health benefits. In addition to the temporary increase in energy it has been linked to improved mental focus, weight loss, extra stamina, lower cholesterol, as well as aiding in the control of sugar levels. Like true tea it is rich in antioxidants, contains seven out of nine essential amino acids, and almost every vitamin and mineral your body needs (in small amounts). Basically, it is a superfood you drink with a kick. Take that, kale spinach smoothy!
For a great morning kick start, steep equal parts black tea and yerba mate. In approximately one cup of water, then cool or poor over ice. After it has cooled, add an equal amount of orange juice so you have a combination of half tea mate mixture and half orange juice. Drink up and get going!
Peggy A. Alaniz is a tea enthusiast, former Celestial Seasonings Tour Guide, poet, and graduate of Naropa University. If you have questions concerning tea please email her at paalaniz.email.me@gmail.com.
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There is nothing better than reading an enjoyable book while sitting outside soaking up the sun. I delight in sitting on the back patio overlooking the lake, listening to the boats go by, and hearing kids laugh as they tube across the water. It is also a fun time to drink a glass of iced tea which can help keep you hydrated in the warm weather.