The herbal tea originated with the Guarani, native South American tribes. The Jesuits predicted its commercial potential and investigated why it grew only in this region. They discovered toucans pre-digested the seeds. The French naturalist Aimé Bonpland confirmed this half a century later.
When the Spanish colonized South America, they learned of the brew from the Guarani. It quickly gained popularity and spread to all territories under Spanish rule. Mainly Jesuit missionaries spread consumption in an extraordinary way.
The herbal tea is far more than a drink in South America. It’s a cultural tradition bringing families and friends together. The art of sharing has been passed down through generations. Etiquette rules are pretty universal across South America.
While the herbal tea originated in Argentina, it now spreads far beyond its homeland. Indigenous peoples in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil have drunk it for centuries as an energizing, medicinal drink.
Syrians and Lebanese prepare it differently, stirring the herbal tea and hot water together. This would be unacceptable to an Argentine or Uruguayan drinker. They create a mound on the side of the gourd, slowly releasing flavor over time. They pour hot water only on the "valley" side, maintaining the mound.
The herbal tea is known as the “Drink of the Gods” and the “liquid vegetable”.
One legend says an old Guarani farmer decided to await death rather than move his depleted fields. According to legend, a young girl appeared and told him if he planted the caffeinated herb near his hut, he’d have eternal life. Every day the old man and his tribesmen drank the brew, gaining strength. When the old farmer died, it wasn’t from exhaustion but old age.
After selecting the best seeds, seedlings grow sheltered in a nursery. Harvesting occurs biannually, allowing full recovery between gatherings. Pieces still largely form a short stem with up to 12 attached leaves.
The Guarani worked to exploit the benefits. The word “mate” comes from the Guarani term “Caa-mate”: “Caa” means plant or herb, and “mate” refers to the gourd they used to drink it. They also knew about its nutritional value and sometimes they chewed the leaves directly.
Consumption rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita in Argentina. It is ingested in 90% of households and over a pound per month is in the basic food basket. Argentines usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. As things evolve it has become common to drink from cans, bottles and energy drinks, convenient to drink anytime.
The herbal tea is native to South America and comes mostly from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Argentina is the second largest producer. Most brands in America come from Argentina. Argentinian brew is milder in flavor, so it is often recommended for beginners.
The market leader is Las Marias, with about 30% market share. Its leading brand is Taragui. There are over 200 brands in Argentina, with about ten marketed worldwide.
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds per person per year. It is ingested in 90% of households and over a pound per month is in the basic food basket. Argentines usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather.
Yerba refers to the herb and mate refers to the cup it is drunk from. The best cups are made with pumpkin gourd or wood, which enhance the flavor. It was discovered by Guarani natives in the 16th century, who used it as medicine and a drink. They cultivated the leaves and believed they held the spirits of those who passed. Spanish conquistadors learned to drink it from the Guarani and exported it.
The herbal tea becomes an infusion when yerba is added to half the cup and stirred. This mate lasts for less time.
Drinking it brings Argentines together and is an invitation to chat. Its health benefits include antioxidants, reduced cholesterol, and vitamins and minerals. The caffeine content gives energy but differs from that in coffee or tea.
Argentina holds significant historical and cultural importance in the world of this beloved beverage. The indigenous Guarani people were the first to discover the stimulating effects of the leaves, and they began cultivating the plant centuries ago. Today, it is deeply embedded in Argentine culture, with its consumption being a daily ritual for many. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. Over the centuries, the art of sharing has been passed down through generations. In fact, many of the traditions we still see today have been commonplace in circles across South America for years!
It is most popular in Paraguay and Uruguay, where people are seen walking the streets carrying the mate and often a thermo (thermal vacuum flask) in their arms. The flavor of brewed mate resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs, and grass and is reminiscent of some varieties of green tea.
"Drinking it is a personal treat or, when it is shared, it is the link that connects everyone, that faithful companion that is there for the whole ride," says Betina.
Aside from its unique flavor, its use is beneficial for your health. It is rich in antioxidants, helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides and contains a large amount of minerals and vitamins. As a last characteristic, it is an energy drink due to its high caffeine content.