Where did this South American tea originate?
This caffeinated drink originated in the forests of northern Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Indigenous tribes like the Guarani harvested wild mate plants and consumed the leaves as tea for medicinal purposes.
Is this drink from Argentina?
This herbal tea grows in parts of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The drink contains caffeine and is consumed daily across these countries.
It can be prepared using hot or cold water. It is often shared among groups of friends or family as part of a social custom.
Sharing it brings people closer together. It is a cherished tradition that goes back centuries in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. Beyond its rich social meaning, it also has health benefits. It contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
What country is this beverage most popular?
It is most popular in Paraguay and Uruguay. In Argentina, 5 kg is consumed annually per capita; in Uruguay, the largest consumer, consumption is 10 kg.
It is quickly gaining popularity worldwide. While it may have originated in Argentina, this tea has now spread far beyond its home country and can be found all over the globe.
You’ll be amazed by the abundance of antioxidants and nutrients found in it. It is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, this traditional drink is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
It has the same amount of caffeine as coffee, but it does not make the drinker jittery. It has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems.
Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather. But more than a habit, getting together to matear forges emotional links between people.
It’s common to see people from various countries, with different ethnicities, enjoying some mate together. Good things, tend to melt the barriers between people.
It has been consumed for centuries by indigenous communities in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil as a social and medicinal beverage.
Does this drink grow in the US?
Mate plants originate from South America. In the wild, it grows up to 26 feet tall. It has been known to grow as high as 60 feet.
It is consumed in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil as well as Syria and Lebanon.
It is a greenish, stimulating drink containing caffeine and tannin. Mate is less astringent than tea. It is especially common in parts of South America.
In Argentina 5 kg is consumed annually per person. In Uruguay, the largest consumer, 10 kg is consumed. The flavor resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs and grass. It is reminiscent of some green teas.
Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea, it has differences. It has the same caffeine but does not make the drinker jittery. Coffee drinkers often suffer a caffeine crash. It has adaptogenic properties. It can regulate the body’s systems.
The gourd is topped with hot water. The flavor can be bitter if steeped in hot water. Some consider it very agreeable.
Using milk instead of water will soften the taste. You can also prepare boiled mate with milk.
In 1616 the governor banned the population from drinking a green drink called yerba mate. It is better for digestion than coffee. Studies show it fights parasites and E. coli bacteria.
It makes sense to love it. It makes no sense to stop drinking it.
The maturation ensures its properties. From 9 months to 2 years, the longer the better.
In the final stage, it is ground to pieces from dust to millimeters.
Indigenous peoples have drunk it for centuries as an energizing, medicinal drink.
It comes mostly from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. Each has a distinct character. Argentinian varieties are best for beginners.
Yerba mate tea comes from the Matto Grosso forest. It has a Florida-like climate.
It contains caffeine. It can be addictive with side effects but does not cause hallucinations. There are some addiction concerns with regular use but no worse than caffeine.