As the world cry tears of joy with Lionel Messi as he lifts the World Cup, we take a look at the lesser-known tea that the legendary footballer loves to drink.
Pronounced as ‘Mah-the’, it is a traditional South American caffeinated hot drink made with dried and chopped mate leaves of the yerba plant. The leaves are bitter in flavour but nutrient-dense.
Mate is a national beverage of Argentina and Uruguay and so one can often find Messi’s pictures drinking this tea. It is touted to be helpful in protecting liver cells and benefit cardiovascular system.
Ingredients
1 cup water
2 tsp mate leaves
Heat water in a saucepan and pour in a teapot once done.
Add mate leaves to it, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain and serve hot.