The caffeinated drink originated with the indigenous Guarani people of Paraguay and Brazil. The Guarani used the plant leaves to make tea-like beverages. They believed it had medicinal properties and was a sacred plant gifted by the gods.
The Guarani consumed the drink for centuries before Spanish colonization. The Jesuits later forbade then promoted it after realizing its health benefits.
In the 19th century, leaders like Paraguay’s José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia recognized its economic potential. Vast plantations were established, modernizing production and increasing output.
It quickly gained popularity in Europe when settlers began cultivating and exporting it in the 16th century. It became fashionable among the aristocracy. Jesuit missionaries established more plantations to spread its use.
The word “mate” comes from the Guarani term “Caa-mate” – "Caa" means plant/herb, “mate” refers to the gourd they drank it from. The Guarani toasted, milled and dried the leaves as is typically done today. They used it for religious, medicinal and nutritional purposes.
Some studies indicate long-term consumption of large amounts may increase risks of certain cancers. But it has a long history of traditional and medicinal use in its native South America.
The caffeinated drink is from South America. Indigenous peoples like the Guarani realized its potential. They perfected techniques to process the leaves and make a tea. The Jesuits saw economic potential and founded plantations in the 1650s-1670s. This created a commercial market. By 1700 it was popular in the Andes and Rio de la Plata regions.
Today it is still widely consumed in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It has a bitter, herbal flavor. The tea-like beverage is brewed from holly tree leaves. Its popularity in Argentina has varied over time as coffee and tea became popular. But its unique qualities and flavor has seen a resurgence since the 1980s.
It has come to represent friendship, hospitality and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Drinking it together binds South American communities through shared rituals. Over time it has evolved from a beverage into a symbol of community connections.
As it spreads globally, scientists learn more about its health benefits. It can improve cardiovascular health, aid digestion and promote weight loss. Travellers to South America quickly become familiar with it. There is etiquette surrounding drinking it properly. To avoid mistakes, you must know the customary rules.