🧉 Mate has been part of the tea culture in many regions of South America for generations. Depending on how the leaves are processed, however, very different flavours can develop. Two common varieties are green and roasted mate. Although both come from the same plant, they differ noticeably in aroma, colour and character.
In this article, you will discover the main differences between green and roasted mate and learn which variety may suit your personal taste better.
The mate plant as a common origin
🌿 Both green and roasted mate are made from the leaves of the mate plant, Ilex paraguariensis. After harvesting, the leaves are dried and processed. The way they are treated during this stage determines which aromas later develop in the cup.
Mate naturally contains caffeine and does not come from the traditional tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Botanically, it is therefore considered a tea-like herbal infusion rather than a classic tea.
Green mate
🍃 Green mate is dried after harvesting but is not roasted. This allows its original, plant-based character to remain largely intact.
The infusion usually has a yellowish-green colour and a fresh, strong and slightly bitter flavour. Some people compare it to green tea, although mate often tastes earthier and more distinctive.
Green mate may be the better choice for you if you enjoy fresh, herbal and slightly bitter infusions.
Roasted mate
🔥 With roasted mate, the dried leaves are additionally heated. This roasting process changes the aroma and colour considerably.
The infusion becomes darker and develops warm roasted notes with a slightly nutty character. Depending on the variety and roasting process, you may also notice flavours reminiscent of grain, cocoa or mild coffee.
If you prefer rounder, warmer and fuller-bodied flavours, roasted mate may suit your taste better.
The main differences
⚖️ Although both varieties come from the same plant, they differ clearly in processing, aroma and appearance.
- Processing: Green mate is dried, while roasted mate is additionally heated.
- Flavour: Green mate tastes fresh, herbal and slightly bitter, while roasted mate is rounder and nuttier.
- Colour: Green mate produces a lighter infusion, while roasted mate creates a darker cup.
- Aroma: Roasting develops warm and full-bodied flavour notes.
Which variety suits you better?
🤔 There is no right or wrong choice. The best variety depends entirely on your personal preferences.
- If you enjoy fresh, herbal and slightly bitter infusions, green mate may be the better option.
- If you prefer smooth, roasted and nutty aromas, roasted mate is likely to suit you better.
Many people only discover their favourite after tasting both varieties side by side.
How to prepare green and roasted mate
💧 Both varieties can be prepared in a similar way. The following values provide a useful starting point:
- Dosage: approximately 1 teaspoon per 200–250 ml of water
- Water temperature: approximately 80–90 °C
- Steeping time: approximately 5 minutes
You can adjust the dosage or steeping time slightly according to the variety and your personal taste. If the infusion tastes too strong, use a little less mate or shorten the steeping time.
Traditional or simple preparation
🧉 In South America, mate is traditionally prepared in a mate gourd or calabash and drunk through a bombilla. The vessel is filled with mate and topped up with water several times.
However, you do not need any special equipment for everyday preparation. Both green and roasted mate can also be prepared easily in a cup or teapot using a fine-mesh tea infuser.
Can mate be infused more than once?
🔄 Mate can generally be infused several times. This is particularly common with the traditional preparation method in a calabash. The flavour becomes slightly milder with each additional infusion.
You can also try a second infusion when using a tea infuser. Simply extend the steeping time slightly and decide whether you enjoy the result.
Discover green and roasted mate
📦 At TeaSense, you will find both green mate and roasted mate. This allows you to compare the two varieties directly and discover which flavour suits you best.