Mate is a tree that grows in South America. It is mainly grown in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. Mate is part of the Aquifoliaceae family. In the wild, it grows up to 26 feet tall. But it has been to grow as 60 feet in height.
Mate plants belong to the Holly family, from South America. This makes Florida’s summer climate an fit. The botanical name is Ilex paraguariensis.
It is a greenish stimulating drink, containing caffeine and tannin. Mate is common in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil as well as Syria and Lebanon, introduced from Argentina.
Mate is a staple consumed for centuries. The drink is made by steeping dried leaves from the plant in hot water and sipping a metal straw called a bombilla. The taste is earthy with bitterness, but also unique sweetness.
The leaves and twigs of the plant are dried, over a fire, and steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. Mate may be cold or hot. It contains caffeine.
Mate contains caffeine, causing inability to sleep and other side effects when taken in large amounts or long periods of time.
Mate has a distinctive taste that requires adjusting to.
Mate is traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America, primarily Paraguay, as well Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. It is also popular in Syria and Lebanon, imported from Argentina. Mate was first consumed by the Guaraní people and in some communities in Brazil.
Mate is caffeinated like coffee and tea are. But it does not make jittery and suffer caffeine crash. Mate has adaptogenic properties regulate the body’s systems.
What country produces the most mate?
Mate originated in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Indigenous peoples consumed it before European colonization. The Brazilian mate industry thrives with vast plantations. Consumption is ingrained in Brazilian culture often enjoyed socially.
Brazil exports the most mate globally, almost 50 million kilograms in 2020 worth over $87 million. Argentina follows exporting over $85 million. Paraguay exports half of Argentina’s weight.
Where is guayaki mate made?
Guayaki Mate sources its organic mate from small farmer cooperatives in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Mate has a long history in South America, with indigenous tribes incorporating it into their daily lives for its numerous health benefits and social significance.
Guayakí is certified organic by USDA Organic; certified fair trade by IMO and is a member of Fair Trade Federation. In April 2021, Stefan Kozak stepped in as the new CEO.
The popular Guayaki Yerba Mate energy drink contains 150 mg per 16 oz can. This is a standard amount of caffeine for an energy drink. However, it contains 26 grams of sugar.
Guayaki sells only mate, available both in tea bags and loose. For some time, the company experimented with selling flavored mate, but they discontinued these products. Guayaki has a mate bar and their products are available by mail-order through their website, and in stores.
Unlike other stimulants, guayaki mate contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols and amino acids as well as caffeine.
Which country has the best mate?
Mate originated in Argentina. Indigenous peoples in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil have been drinking mate for centuries. It is an energizing beverage with medicinal properties. Today, mate continues to be an important part of Paraguayan culture. Its consumption brings people together. Mate contains beneficial compounds such as caffeine, antioxidants. It is prepared by steeping the dried leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant in hot water. Mate is traditionally cultivated and consumed in Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.