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by Restaurants Expert
- October 9, 2024
While yerba mate and matcha have been around for thousands of years, it took the rise of social media to catapult them into the mainstream culinary world. It was the perfect storm. These instagrammable green drinks not only looked the part but met the needs of a growing market: the health-conscious consumer.
Boasting an array of wellness benefits, these modern elixirs continue to gain popularity, popping up in everything from branded chocolate bars to haute cuisine. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best ways to incorporate mate and matcha flavors into your restaurant’s offerings to help you stay on top of this delicious trend.
1. Offer Them as Signature Beverages
The easiest way to add matcha and yerba mate to your restaurant is by offering them as traditional signature beverages. You can include both hot and cold options to account for different preferences and seasons. For example, a creamy green tea matcha latte is a luxurious comfort in winter, whereas an iced yerba mate with lemon will appeal to customers looking for coffee alternatives on a hot day.
Both yerba mate and matcha work well in smoothies as well. However, these options are best suited to a cafe-style establishment. What if you need something for a more formal dining situation?
2. Get Creative With Your Menu
Both yerba and mate present an exciting opportunity to experiment with new savory dishes. Adding these ingredients can bring depth and complexity to your meals. Matcha has a slightly bitter, umami flavor which works well as a rub for meats, fish, or tofu. You can also whisk it into dressings and sauces to create a vibrant green aesthetic with a subtle tea flavor. Yerba makes an interesting base for sauces, soups, and marinades, giving a rich and earthy taste.
3. Incorporate the Flavors Into Desserts
More commonly, mate is infused with sweet ingredients to whip up things like ice creams, cakes, pastries, biscuits, and other desserts. Its bold flavor complements citrus and nutty elements, making it perfect for everything from donuts to cookies, crumbles, compote, and tarts. Its texture is also a treat for the tastebuds; creamy, soft, and smooth.
It’s instantly recognizable green color is also visually appealing. While a slightly unconventional choice, yerba mate also adds an intriguing flavor to treats like mousse or panna cotta. Working matcha and yerba mate into your dessert menu can give your guests a taste of something indulgent but with a healthier twist. You can even combine the two for an exotic boost of antioxidants and energy.
4. Cater to Health Conscious Customers
When you’re promoting matcha and yerba items on your menu, it’s a smart idea to highlight their health benefits. Matcha is known for its high concentration of antioxidants; in fact, it has the highest antioxidant rating of all the main superfoods. These antioxidants are linked to heart health and even thought to prevent cancer.
Matcha also contains the amino acid L-theanine which relieves stress and improves your mood. On the other hand, yerba mate is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and magnesium. It provides a natural energy boost but without the caffeine jitters associated with coffee. Focus on these incredible health benefits to appeal to diners on the lookout for natural and nutritious options.
5. Design Matcha and Yerba Cocktails
For something a bit naughty and nice, why not expand your cocktail menu to include matcha and yerba options? Matcha’s earthy notes pair surprisingly well with gin and vodka, making it a viable choice for drinks like mojitos or gin fizz. Overall, it’s quite versatile: you can even use matcha to make a mimosa, gimlet, or margarita. You could also add an edible matcha-themed cocktail garnish.
Yerba has a more herbal flavor, which can add a refreshing twist to tequila. You could also make a spritz with a splash of lime for a refreshing summertime cooler. For younger customers or those who prefer to avoid alcohol, you can add a selection of mocktails, too.
Using Matcha and Yerba Mate in a Modern Restaurant Menu
Adding matcha and yerba mate to your restaurant menu offers so many possibilities to get creative. You can dream up drinks, desserts, savory dishes, and cocktails to delight your guests. These trendy ingredients are sure to attract customers looking for both flavor and health benefits, making them a smart addition to your menu year-round. Whether you’re opting for indulgent treats or superfood snacks, yerba mate and matcha can help you stand out from the crowd and stay competitive as a restauranteur.
