Video:Yerba Mate Latte

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Transcript:Yerba Mate Latte

Hi, I'm Jonathon Stewart for About.com Food, and today it's all about yerba mate lattes.

What Is Yerba Mate?

Yerba mate is a beverage made from the leaves of a South American tree and is considered one of the six major naturally occurring stimulants of the world.

And, according to the Paris Scientific Society in 1964, it contains "practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life."

Yerba Mate Latte Ingredients

While I wouldn't recommend cutting say, food, out of your diet, yerba does pack a caffeinated, delicious, and nutritious punch. Here's all you'll need:

• 1 heaping teaspoon loose-leaf yerba mate
• a single-serving tea strainer
• 1 bag organic peppermint tea
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup low, non-fat, or soy milk
• a martini shaker
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 nice, big mug

Yerba mate also comes in pre-packaged tea bags, which eliminates some of the fuss. Or if you're a tea-head and have them on hand, you can create your own tea bags with individual paper tea filters.

Heat the Water

Start by heating at least one cup of water either on the stove or in your microwave, but be careful not to let it boil so as not to destroy any of the naturally occurring antioxidants and amino acids.

The ideal temperature is about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fill the Tea Strainer With Yerba

While the water is heating, fill your tea strainer with yerba, and douse it with cool water, which helps to seal in all the mineral nutrition.

Yerba, which technically refers to the ball of wet leaves that provides the basis for the drink, is traditionally served in a hollowed out gourd, or mate.

But with its growing popularity in places like Syria, Lebanon, and California, you won't be committing a "metida de pata" by serving your yerba mate in a mug.

Let the Yerba Steep

Once the water is heated, slowly pour it over the yerba and peppermint tea, and allow it to steep for 3-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like your mate.

Remove the strainer and the tea bag, and add a tablespoon of honey to sweeten.

Shake the Milk in a Martini Shaker

And now it's time for the latte. While using an espresso machine or frothing wand is a convenient way to give your milk a rich, foamy texture, this method can work just as easily, without the extra equipment and messy cleanup.

Pour about a half cup of milk into your martini shaker, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.

Benefits of Different Types of Milk

Low-fat and non-fat milk are often fortified with protein, which actually allows for a more frothy result than with whole milk.

Using vanilla or almond soy milk will not only cut down on the fat content of your mate latte, but can provide for an even more tasty treat.

Combine the Milk and Yerba Mate

Pour your agitated milk into a microwavable container, and heat for about 30 seconds. Remove the milk from the microwave, slowly pour over the yerba mate, sip, and enjoy!

Driving and drinking yerba mate is illegal in Uruguay because of accidents caused by motorists burning themselves with this delectable hot beverage. So be sure to take appropriate precautions.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at food.about.com.