Mexican tea culture facts for kids
Mexico has a rich and interesting tea culture, especially known for its traditional herbal teas. Many people believe these teas have special medicinal properties that can help you feel better. In recent years, teas from other parts of the world have also become quite popular in Mexico. Some Mexican tea recipes are even enjoyed in other countries now!
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A Look at Tea History in Mexico
Long ago, before Europeans arrived, people in Mexico used many local plants to make special drinks called infusions. They believed these drinks had healing powers. Teas from places like Europe and Asia didn't become common in Mexico for a long time. Even today, these imported teas are not as widely popular as they are in some other countries.
Mexico has many different climates, from dry deserts to high mountains and steamy rainforests. The warm, wet areas in the southeast might be good places to grow some of the teas from other parts of the world.
Popular Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are very common in Mexico. You can find many different types of herbs, both native and imported, sold in Mexican markets. Some Mexican communities in the United States also continue to use these traditional herbal drinks for health.
Poleo Tea
Poleo is a tea made from a plant called Hedeoma drummondii. Besides being a drink in Mexico, this plant was also used as a spice by native groups further north. Scientists have found that Poleo is full of healthy things called antioxidants.
Hierba Buena (Good Herb)
Hierba buena means "Good herb." This is a name given to different kinds of mint teas. You can often buy the loose leaves in markets. It's a bit like yerba mate, which is a popular drink in many Latin American countries. Many people think Hierba buena is good for your health. If you have a mild stomach ache, a drink made from lemongrass, also called Limón, is often used to help.
Important Note: While traditional Mexican teas can be helpful, it's very important to be careful. Drinking too much of some herbal teas can be harmful. Always know the correct amount to use.
Damiana Tea
Damiana tea is made from damiana leaves. In Mexico and Brazil, people often drink it for certain health reasons. The ancient Aztecs used damiana many centuries ago.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is also very popular in Mexico. It's known for being a calming drink.
Modern and Refreshing Teas
Agua de Jamaica
Agua de Jamaica is a very popular iced herbal tea in Mexico. It's made from the bright red flowers and leaves of the Jamaican hibiscus plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa). In Mexico, this plant is called flor de Jamaica. The drink is usually served cold, quite sweet, and with lots of ice. This ruby-red drink is known as hibiscus tea in English-speaking countries, but in Mexico, it's called agua de Jamaica (which means "water of Jamaica"). You can find it almost everywhere, from restaurants to street vendors.
Champurrado: A Warm Chocolate Drink
Champurrado is a delicious Mexican chocolate drink. Sometimes people mistakenly call it "Mexican chocolate tea," but it's actually a thick, warm drink. It's very popular and has even become well-known in the United States. Champurrado is made with chocolate and spices like cinnamon. This drink is related to xocoatl, which was a traditional cocoa-bean drink made by the ancient Aztecs.
See also
In Spanish: Té mexicano para niños
