Where was the herbal tea founded?
The origins of the herbal infusion can be traced back to the indigenous Guarani people of South America, specifically in the region that’s now known as Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. This traditional beverage holds great cultural significance as a symbol of friendship, unity, and social bonding. The leaf tea is grown in Argentina, Paraguay and southern Brazil, where the soil, temperature and humidity are ideal. Although attempts have been made to cultivate and produce the South American drink elsewhere, the Ilex paraguariensis refuses to grow outside Guarani lands. In Argentina, the infusion is the most consumed drink after water, without distinction of gender, age or social class. According to the National Institute of Yerba Mate, an average of 100 liters are consumed per year, per person.
Over the centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations. What we know as modern yerba mate is most similar to that the Guarani tribes prepared. Today, Argentina exports the most, but brewed bottles and bags can be found worldwide. It is important to steep between 70°C to 80°C to prevent destroying heat sensitive nutrients or vitamins.
The herbal drink is a caffeinated beverage with Indigenous origins widely consumed in South America, especially in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The bitter, herbal, tea-like beverage is brewed from the leaves of a native holly tree species found in the forests of South America. Because of its unique qualities and distinctive flavor, the beverage has seen a resurgence since the 1980s. In fact, it is so popular that South American soccer players brought over 1,000 pounds with them.
Indigenous peoples in these areas have been drinking the herbal tea for centuries as an energizing beverage with medicinal properties.
Over the centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations. In fact, many of the traditions we still see today have been commonplace for years! The rituals vary slightly by country, but the rules are pretty much universal and will impress any local! For example, being offered mate is a sign of respect and a great way to make new friends.
Researches have found that drinking the South American infusion can make your stomach feel fuller for longer. The energy boost is more subtle and lasts longer compared to energy drinks. Not only did it reduce appetite, but it helps you poop!
In Argentina, the yerba mate means much more. It is a source of pride, an excuse to meet and a custom transmitted by family inheritance. “Shall we drink some mates?” is an invitation to chat, to stay, to continue the conversation. Mate represents sharing, it reduces distances between people, it invites to think, to debate, it is the social drink par excellence.
Is the herbal tea grown in the US?
The Ilex Paraguariensis plant is native to South America. It has been consumed for centuries by indigenous communities in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil. The flavor resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs, and grass and is reminiscent of some varieties of green tea.
It is most popular in Paraguay and Uruguay, where people are seen walking the streets carrying the mate. In Argentina, 5 kg is consumed annually per capita. The amount used to prepare the infusion is much greater than that used for tea and other beverages.
Indigenous techniques are still utilized today. Proper preparation is to fill 3⁄4 of a gourd and add water boiled to 176oF. "When half has lost its foam, infuse the other half with more water," Per Trápaga says.
According to legend, an old farmer decided he would rather wait for the end of his life all alone than move again. It grows in the subtropical region of South America – mainly Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. It grows up to 8 meters tall in the wild, but has been known to grow as high as 18 meters.
Though caffeinated like coffee and green tea, it has differences. It is a bitter, herbal, tea-like drink brewed from the leaves of a South American holly tree. Indigenous peoples have been drinking it for centuries as an energizing beverage with medicinal properties.
What country drinks the most?
It is most popular in Paraguay and Uruguay. In Uruguay, the largest consumer, 10 kg is consumed annually per capita. The amount used is much greater than that used for tea and other beverages.
The indigenous Guarani people were the first to discover its stimulating effects. Nearly all preparation methods have some common elements. The beverage is traditionally prepared in a gourd vessel, also called mate in Spanish.
Yerba mate comes in all different colors, tastes, strengths, cuts, and even effects due to the way each type is harvested, processed, and aged. It is native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Each country has its own distinct type.
In Argentina, yerba mate’s popularity faltered as coffee and tea took hold. However, because of its unique qualities and flavor, the beverage has seen a resurgence since the 1980s. It is so popular that soccer players brought over 1,000 pounds to the World Cup last year.
The best tasting mate comes from leaves grown in the shade, not directly in the sun. Its leaves are more flavorful and nutrient-rich. When grown in the wild, leaves are harvested only every other year. In controlled environments, leaves grow more quickly and are harvested each winter.
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather. As things evolve, it has become increasingly common to drink from cans, bottles, and energy drinks. More than a habit, getting together to matear forges emotional links between people.
The tradition isn’t just in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, but also in Syria and Lebanon, the largest importers. Unless sensitive to caffeine, stimulation will be felt long after drinking it. It has adaptogenic properties, which means it can regulate the body’s systems.
In South America, it brings families and friends together. Over the centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations. Here we will learn about the fundamental etiquette needed to participate in a circle.
This caffeine-rich drink is made from dried leaves mixed with hot water. It is drunk through a metal straw which also acts as a sieve. People carry thermo flasks when they drink mate to keep the water warm as it is always refilled several times.
In Argentina, the yerba mate means much more, it is a source of pride, an excuse to meet and a custom transmitted by family inheritance. Its use is beneficial for health.