The herbal drink holds cultural significance in South American traditions, particularly in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It symbolizes unity and friendship. However, some countries banned it due to its indigenous associations. Despite the ban, it continued to be consumed, and its cultural importance remained strong. In recent years, interest in the tea has resurged for its cultural and health value.
How yerba mate spread in Poland
It’s not a surprise that mate is growing in popularity outside Southern America, where it’s consumed daily. I come from Poland, and want to describe how it spread here and how is it doing nowadays. Although mate culture isn’t pronounced here, I think it’s more evolved than in other European countries.
You may be surprised drinking the herbal infusion is present not only in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay – but also Middle East regions. We’ve talked about the Polish link to it and how Poland leads statistics on Google for it.
The South American drink is consumed 6 to 1 over coffee there. How did it become popular and end up in our cups?
It comes in colors, tastes, strengths, cuts, and effects based on harvest, process, and age method. It comes mostly from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Each country has distinct variants. We’ll cover each one and brands that sell them.
Argentina
Argentina is second largest producer. Most you see in America comes from there. I recommend beginners try Argentinian variants first.
Uruguay
Uruguayans drink the most but it comes mainly from Brazil. Their style is all powder and small leaves without stems. This can be harsh tasting.
Preparation and consumption
The herbal infusion is prepared similarly to tea, with differences in flavor and method. After this some powder remains on the hand to throw away.
It grows up to 8 meters (26 feet) tall, sometimes 18 meters (60 feet). Only two or three variants of 550 are used.
Argentina
Argentina consumes up to 14 pounds per person yearly. 90% of households ingest it and over a pound is in the monthly basic food basket. Argentinians drink it hot or cold, often for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset. As things evolve, it has become common from cans, bottles and energy drinks, for convenience drinking anytime. More than a habit, getting together to matear forges emotional links between people, taking Argentinians back to their roots.
Potential health risks
Some research links the South American drink, especially when drunk very hot or in large amounts, to increased risk of certain cancers. The cancer risks seem to be higher for people who also smoke and drink alcohol.
Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink consumed in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. The herbal infusion contains caffeine and antioxidants and is consumed in social gatherings known as "tertulias".
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Yerba mate is considered possibly unsafe in pregnancy as over 300 mg of caffeine daily may increase miscarriage risk. The safety during breastfeeding is unclear. Despite potential cancer risks, it is a culturally significant drink in South America.
Cultural significance
Yerba mate is more than a drink in South America. Sharing it brings people together and forges emotional links. Being offered it is seen as a sign of respect.
Consumption by country
Consumption varies by country. Argentina has the highest per capita consumption, up to 14 pounds per person annually. Nearly all households there drink it regularly. Argentines often drink it in the mornings or before sunset, both hot and cold.
In Paraguay, they make "tereré" by steeping it in cold instead of hot water. Uruguayans drink the most per capita globally. Brazilians brew "chimarrão," their version using a large gourd. Wherever enjoyed, the South American drink represents cherished social bonding.
Production and preparation
Yerba mate is mainly grown in Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. It’s made by steeping dried leaves in water below boiling point. The tea contains caffeine which can increase alertness.
Potential health effects
Some research suggests it may have benefits like strengthening the immune system. However more studies are needed to confirm these potential health effects. There are also some risks to consider. Consuming very hot yerba mate may increase cancer risk. Additionally, it contains caffeine so it may cause complications for those with conditions like hypertension. The tea is considered possibly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
So the health impacts still need more research. For now drinking 1-3 cups per day, at reasonable temperatures, is likely safe for most healthy adults. Ultimately it has historical and cultural significance in parts of South America. Yet its emergence in North America and Europe is more recent.