Where did the herbal tea come from?
The herbal tea comes from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree found in the Atlantic rainforest of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. The Jesuit missionaries spread its consumption and predicted its commercial potential.
The herbal tea gained popularity when the Spanish colonized South America and learned of its benefits from the Guarani. The Guarani called it “Caa-mate” combining “yerba” and “gourd”.
Argentinians have enjoyed the herbal tea for centuries. Carrying thermoses of hot water and gourds is common. Its cultural significance goes beyond a simple drink.
Uruguay has the highest consumption per capita compared to Argentina. The amount used to prepare the herbal tea exceeds other beverages.
The herbal tea is made by drying the stems and leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree. Leaves are machine or hand harvested then processed by drying, sometimes using fire and smoke altering the flavor.
The herbal tea is tea from the Ilex Paraguariensis plant native to South America. It’s consumed for centuries by communities in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil as social and medicinal drink.
The yerba mate preparation hot tea, some people cold teas, and chew leaves reap numerous benefits. The herbal tea’s gift gods stamina warrior society.
Where is the herbal tea harvested from?
The herbal tea derives from the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It grows best in subtropical climates and is cultivated in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The leaves and stems are processed and dried. Harvested by machine or hand, different drying methods result in different flavor profiles.
Is the herbal tea really Argentine?
The herbal tea is a popular drink in Argentina. It has a long history beginning with the Guarani who first cultivated it. The Jesuits later spread knowledge of the herbal tea’s virtues. However, Argentinian cowboys called “gauchos” truly integrated it into Argentine culture.
Although the herbal tea is healthy, in Argentina it is more of a tradition and social interaction. Argentines drink 14 pounds of the herbal tea per person yearly. Over 90% of households consume it, and a pound is included in the basic food basket monthly.
The ritual of preparing, drinking and sharing the herbal tea is deeply ingrained in Argentina. Its health benefits are secondary to its cultural importance. The herbal tea delivers community, conversation and closeness. Discover the uniquely flavourful, social tradition in Argentina.