This South American drink originated in the Paranaense jungles of South America. The indigenous Guarani people of Paraguay and Brazil enjoyed it for centuries. They believed it to be a gift from the gods that provided energy and health benefits. Spanish colonizers learned of it from the Guarani and quickly spread its consumption across their South American territories. Jesuit missionaries predicted its commercial potential and investigated why it only grew in that region. They discovered toucans pre-digested the seeds. It is an infusion of processed leaves and water. It contains more antioxidants than other tea drinks when brewed. Photographs show locals preparing shipments of pounded leaves in Paraguay in 1933. The young, green leaves are collected, dried by hand, and aged 9-24 months before being placed in a bowl for brewing. The drink is beloved in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil where consumption per capita can reach 14 pounds per year in Argentina. It is often drank socially in circles that have designated servers and sharing etiquette. The caffeine provides stimulation without jitters or crashing. Its popularity is now spreading globally beyond its South American origins.
Widespread Popularity
This herbal tea is a popular South American drink that quickly gaining popularity worldwide. This infusion spread far beyond its home country and can be found all over the globe. We’ll take a look at where it is most popular and how it has become such a beloved beverage.
Health Benefits
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 minerals and vitamins. Its properties prevent the energy drop that occurs after excessive coffee.
The leaves are from South America, which only grows in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. This tree, called Ilex Paraguariensis, is part of a large family of species with more than 600 varieties. After being dried, ground and packed; the leaves can be easily purchased.
It’s common to see people walking around Argentina with their thermos and set, often in a carrying case – always on the ready to prepare it. This is because the true purpose of it is sharing conversation.
First of all, you have to know that it is a tropical plant that grows in the forests where the Parana, Paraguay, and Uruguay rivers pass through. It is the leaves of these trees and their branches that are used for infusions. These are extracted, dried and then crushed and ground, obtaining the herb.
It grows in Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. According to 19th Century explorer Joseph Hooker, it was consumed long before the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors arrived. Ilex plants, including Ilex paraguariensis, were used by different groups around the continent.
It is an herb native to South America and is used to make the drink of Argentina, Paraguay, Uraguay and Brazil. In fact, it is consumed more than coffee there. The origins are filled with folklore. Discovered by indigenous peoples, it was known as an herb “from the gods” for physical stamina.
Consumption Statistics
It is traditional caffeine-rich infused drink, prepared by steeping dried leaves in hot water. It is the national infusion of Argentina. On average, 30 million Argentines consume 220 million kilograms of it per year, roughly seven kilograms per person. It is significant.
This South American drink 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. The flavor resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs, and grass and is reminiscent of some varieties of green tea.
Good things, such as music, food, dance and it tend to melt the barriers between people.
My name is Jan, I come from Poland, and I want to describe how the herb spread to my country and how is it doing nowadays. Although culture isn’t as pronounced here as in Argentina, I think that it’s way more evolved than in other European countries.
It serves as a income for communities. It has gained popularity in Brazil, Chile, Spain and Italy.
It comes mostly from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Each country has its own distinct herb.
A Traditional South American Drink
Drinking it is as common in South America as drinking coffee and tea in the rest of the world. It is nutritious and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It contains mateine.
It is an evergreen tree that grows mainly in Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. It grows up to 18 meters (60 feet) in height. It can be referred to as mate or maté. As it prefers high temperatures and humidity, Florida’s summer climate makes it an ideal location to grow the plant in the US. However, it takes about five years before the leaves are ready for tea-making. It requires acidic soil that retains moisture.
Though it contains caffeine like coffee, it does not make the drinker jittery. It has adaptogenic properties that can regulate the body’s systems. In the US, it is sold in some large retail stores like Kroger, ethnic markets, and increasingly online. When looking to buy it in a supermarket, first check the tea aisle, then the international section.
The Origin Region
It originated in this region where the countries meet at Iguazú Falls, it has now spread globally.
It comes from the countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay in an oval-shaped area overlapping their borders. It is part of the holly family, with leaves that are picked and dried for consumption. Traditionally it is infused in a gourd using a filtering straw.