Yerba mate and Argentina: a close relationship
This tea holds cultural significance in Argentina. Sharing it fosters friendship and connection. Its preparation involves rituals passed through generations, reinforcing its importance. As the national drink, mate brings people together.
To ensure supply, Argentina’s team brought 1,100 pounds of the leaves to Qatar. It has caffeine. But midfielder Alexis Mac Allister drinks it more to unite the team. The team brought different types to suit everyone’s taste.
Yerba mate consumption in Argentina
Consumption rises up to 14 pounds per capita yearly. 90% of households ingest it. Over a pound is included monthly in the basic food basket. It’s common to drink for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. Canned, bottled and energy drinks have made it convenient to drink anytime. Sharing the beverage forges emotional links between people, taking Argentinians back to their roots.
Yerba mate at the 2022 World Cup
Who brought the most yerba mate to the World Cup?
The Argentina national team carried around 500 kg with them. After a terrible initial match, Argentina exhibited a convincing performance in the remaining matches, winning them all. To ensure its roughly 75 members would have a steady supply of a drink they consider essential, the team brought 1,100 pounds to Qatar. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said he mainly drinks it “to bring us together.” The team spokesperson said they brought different types to suit everyone’s tastes.
This drink is common among Latin American teams, especially Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Some players have traditional utensils for drinking it. Striker Sebastian Driussi said nutritionists believe it can help rehydrate. “For us, yerba mate is like water. You can consume it anytime,” he stated. “Drinking this tea is important for making friends.”
Sharing yerba mate in South America
Throughout South America mate brings people together. Being offered it is a sign of respect. The art of sharing mate in a circle has been passed down for years. There are universal etiquette rules to follow that will impress locals.
Global consumption
What country consumes the most yerba mate?
Indigenous peoples in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil have been drinking yerba mate for centuries as an energizing beverage with medicinal properties. It holds cultural significance in Argentina, where it’s more than a beverage, symbolizing friendship and hospitality. The preparation and sharing involves rituals and etiquette passed down through generations, reinforcing its cultural importance as Argentina’s national drink.
Yerba mate consumption in Argentina is 14 pounds a year per person. Over 90% of households ingest it monthly. Argentines usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. As things evolve, mate became increasingly common in cans, bottles and energy drinks, so it’s more convenient to drink anytime. But sharing mate forges emotional links between people, taking Argentines back to their roots.
Why Argentines value yerba mate
It is the national drink of Argentina. Over 90% of households consume it. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset, hot or cold. It has become popular to drink on-the-go from cans or bottles. Sharing it connects people emotionally.
It provides an energy boost from its caffeine content. This links to increased alertness, concentration, and reduced fatigue.
Drinking it is common in South America as drinking coffee or tea elsewhere. Unlike them, mate is nutritious. It contains a milder caffeine called mateine. Cold mate is served with hot water. Hot weather sees lemonade replaces water, popular with children.
Yerba mate production and tourism
- Argentina is the main global producer and exporter with 60% market share.
- The Jesuits introduced the crop, contributing to its commercialization as “Tea of the Jesuits”.
- Tourists can discover the production regions on Argentina’s Route and meet growers.
- Argentines prepare it following steps and techniques for the perfect mate.
Health benefits and growing popularity
It brings people together. It invites thinking and debate. It has health benefits like antioxidants, reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
The popularity is booming globally as people wake up to its benefits over coffee. Those who try real mate often adopt the custom for life.