About Mate
The mate plant is native to South America. The leaves are dried to make an infusion called mate. This caffeinated drink is shared from a gourd through a metal straw known as a bombilla. Drinking mate fosters community and connection.
To prepare mate, fill the gourd with dry leaves then add hot water. Let it steep before sipping slowly through the bombilla. The traditional way to drink mate is to pass the gourd around in a circle. However, the “mate gringo” style is to soak the leaves in cold water first before adding hot water. The refreshing “tereré” version uses lemonade instead of water.
The highest quality mate grows wild, without chemicals. Organic cultivation also avoids chemicals, leading to better flavor and health benefits despite the higher cost. Mate contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Mate in Culture
Drinking mate is ingrained in Argentine culture. Over 90% of households consume mate. Argentinians drink mate throughout the day, hot or cold depending on weather. More than a drink, sharing mate represents community and emotional connections.
Beyond health advantages, mate’s uniqueness lies in ritual and sharing, reducing distances between people. The preparation requires leaves, a gourd, bombilla and hot water. After putting dry leaves in the gourd, cover the top and invert it twice before inserting the bombilla.
Why Mate Straws are Metal
The indigenous Guaraní first cultivated and consumed mate. After the Jesuits discovered its potential, mate became widespread. The gourd is used to hold the infused leaves. The bombilla is a metal straw with a filter, which allows you to sip the drink without ingesting the leaves.
With the strength of coffee and health benefits of tea, mate can be prepared in different ways. Naturally it gives you that natural energy that will help you with your daily routine. The "official" way to maximize your mate experience is to enjoy it with a sieve straw called bombilla, from a mate.
Herbal Tea Overview
Herbal teas are not from the tea plant Camellia sinensis which is used to make black, green, white, oolong and red teas. Although not technically teas, herbal teas have health benefits.
A tea infuser allows loose tea leaves to steep in hot water. It is often called a teaball or tea maker. The tea infuser gained popularity in the 19th century.
Herbal teas soothe, bring health benefits and refresh with flavor. They are made from herbs, not Camellia sinensis. Popular varieties provide electrolytes.