Yerba mate is the national drink of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. This caffeinated beverage offers health benefits due to its antioxidant properties, which protect cells from damage. It contains polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It may support well-being and bodily functions. Argentinians drink it daily, often in the morning or evening. Sharing mate forges emotional connections. The indigenous Guarani people of Paraguay and Southern Brazil first cultivated the plant. They recognized its medicinal properties and consumed it for energy. Today, Argentines drink 220 million kilograms per year, averaging seven and a half kilograms per person. The herbal drink is growing in popularity for its health benefits. The plant grows in tropical regions of South America up to 15 meters in height. Its leaves have a serrated edge and veins on the back. To make the infusion, leaves and twigs are dried, chopped, ground, and steeped in hot water. Traditionally, a metal straw with a filter is used to drink from a hollowed gourd. There is etiquette surrounding consumption focused on sharing.
The herbal drink is a traditional drink originating from indigenous peoples of South America. After the leaves are dried, they can be steeped in hot water to make an infusion. It contains caffeine and antioxidants and is said to provide an energy boost.
In Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, sharing mate is a strong cultural tradition. Drinking mate together forges emotional connections between people. It is seen as a sign of friendship and hospitality to offer mate to guests.
The flavor has been compared to green tea. It can be consumed hot or cold depending on the weather. Mate can be drunk at any time of day, but in Argentina it is very common to drink it in the morning with breakfast or before sunset. It has grown in popularity and is now available in more convenient forms.
Yerba mate is the national drink of Argentina. Its average annual consumption per person is 22 gallons. Mate is ingested in 90% of the country’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people, taking Argentinians back to their roots.
Aside from its flavor, the infusion benefits health. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients support bodily functions. Mate provides an energy boost due to caffeine.
The drink originated in the 1300s. The gods gifted mate to the Guaraní people of Northeast Argentina. Drinking mate remains a communal ritual. One person prepares, passing the gourd and bombilla around the circle.
Through his poem ‘A Mate and a Love’, Lalo Mir makes tangible mate’s significance. Preparing perfect mate is an art. In parks and plazas, friends gather sharing thermoses. We recommend sweetening with sugar or honey. Mate brings families and friends together – a tradition passed through generations. Mate etiquette is important to participate in sharing circles.
Yerba mate is a drink with Indigenous origins widely consumed in South America. The bitter, herbal beverage is brewed from the leaves of a native tree species found in South American forests. Prized for medicinal qualities, yerba mate is connected to history and Indigenous heritage.
Referred to as the "drink of the Gods", it is even more popular than coffee in some regions. Wild grown is most desirous, free from chemicals, making it organic. The famous Argentine journalist Lalo Mir wrote a poem called "Un Mate y un Amor"