Maté is a traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This holly species is native to parts of South America. The drink is prepared by steeping the dried leaves in hot water, similar to tea. Maté has become popular beyond just South America. For example, it has a niche following as a natural energizer in North America. But in South America, drinking maté is ingrained in the culture. Its often a social activity shared among family and friends.
The maté drink likely originated from indigenous South American groups like the Guarani. They viewed the plant as a gift from the gods. The youngest, greenest leaves are harvested from the wild trees. They are dried and then steeped in hot water. Traditionally, a carved gourd is used to serve the infusion. And the bombilla is the special straw used to strain out the leaves while sipping.
This ritual of preparing, serving and drinking maté together forges strong social and cultural bonds.
Maté is a herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This evergreen holly is native to parts of South America such as Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and some regions in Brazil. The leaves are dried, roasted and steeped in hot water to make the maté tea which has a bitter, earthy flavor.
Maté contains caffeine as well as polyphenols and saponins which may have antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, drinking very hot maté (65°C / 149°F or hotter) is associated with an increased cancer risk, possibly due to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that form during high temperature drying and processing.
Maté is native to South America. Argentina is the second largest producer of maté. Most maté brands in America come from Argentina. Argentinians usually drink maté for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset, hot or cold depending on weather. But mate has also become popular canned, bottled or as energy drinks, allowing Argentinians to drink it anytime. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people and takes Argentinians back to their roots.
- Maté consumption in Argentina is up to 14 pounds per person yearly.
- 90% of households ingest it.
- Over a pound per month is included in the basic food basket.
Mate represents sharing. It brings people together, invites thinking and debate. It has health benefits like antioxidants, reduced cholesterol, vitamins and minerals. It also contains caffeine.
Sitting in a circle drinking mate is an Argentinean pastime that combines talking and spending time with loved ones. Sharing mate means sharing a moment with others. Accepting mate is a sign of welcome.
Maté is a traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It’s prepared by steeping the dried leaves in hot water, similar to tea. Maté has a distinctive herbal, grassy flavor and contains caffeine, although less than coffee.
Maté is commonly consumed in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay. It’s also popular in parts of the Middle East like Lebanon and Syria. Over the years, maté has been associated with potential health benefits, although more research is needed.
There are some concerns around maté as well. When consumed very hot or in large amounts, there may be links to increased risk of throat, mouth and esophageal cancers. The stimulant effects of maté can also cause issues like increased heart rate or blood pressure for those with pre-existing conditions.
To prepare maté, fill a cup with the dried leaves, cover with a hand and invert. Insert a metal straw with a filter and pour warm (not boiling) water in. Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes before drinking. Be mindful of amount and temperature when consuming.