Yerba mate is a caffeinated drink from the ilex paraguariensis plant native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Mate contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and mateine, a mild caffeine. It is prepared by first filling a mate cup with yerba, covering the top with your hand, turning it twice, then inserting a bombilla (straw), and pouring hot water.
In Argentina, drinking mate brings people together to chat, debate, and think. Rich in antioxidants, it reduces cholesterol, aids weight loss, and energizes without jitters. The cebador prepares and drinks the first mate to filter powder through the bombilla.
Argentina is the world’s largest mate producer and exporter. This boosts its economy and preserves native forests. The global demand continues growing.
Mate contains caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. The main one is caffeine. Caffeine content varies between 0.7% and 1.7% of dry weight, concentrated in the leaves. A cup of mate tea contains about 70 mg of caffeine on average, while a cup of coffee averages at 120 mg.
Not only does yerba mate contain caffeine, which can boost metabolism, but it also contains saponins and polyphenols that aid in weight loss. However, there are potential drawbacks. The caffeine content depends on the type and preparation method.
We believe caffeine is the major psychoactive chemical in yerba maté. Mateine appears to be another name for caffeine used by some vendors or fans to market yerba maté.
Yerba mate caffeine provides stimulation but also soothing effects, unlike coffee which causes crashes. It also provides mental alertness. Compared to coffee, yerba mate may be healthier due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant content.
Mate consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people. It takes the Argentinians back to their roots. Mate is a drink made from yerba that tastes very bitter. Argentina’s team hauled 1,100 pounds of yerba mate to Qatar. They brought different types to suit everyone’s taste.
Mate is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused herbal drink. It is made by soaking dried leaves of the yerba mate plant in hot water and is traditionally served with a metal straw in a container typically made from a calabash gourd. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people and takes Argentinians back to their roots.
Mate is typically enjoyed communally. The method of preparing the infusion varies considerably from region to region. However, nearly all methods have some common elements. The beverage is traditionally prepared in a gourd vessel also called mate. The gourd is nearly filled with yerba, and hot water, typically 70 to 85 °C, never boiling, is added.
- On average, Argentines consume 220 million kilograms of mate per year, roughly seven and a half kilograms per person annually.
- Mate is more than just a drink, it is a social and cultural tradition which brings families and friends together.
Yerba mate provides an energy boost due to its high caffeine content, which is linked to increased alertness, improved concentration and enhanced physical performance. Mate is THE national drink in Argentina, consumed as part of a unique ceremony traditionally drunk from a mate cup or gourd using a metal or wooden straw. It is considered an intimate experience that brings groups closer together when shared. The gourd is filled with water multiple times before replenishing the herb, extracting all benefits.