Origins
The indigenous Guaraní first cultivated mate leaf. Its consumption was exclusive to two regions of Paraguay. After the Jesuits discovered its potential, mate leaf became widespread. By 1676, the main production was in Maracayú. Settlers from Asunción dominated production amidst mate forests. Conflict arose when settlers from Villa Rica and Ciudad Real moved into Maracayú. With the devastation of Paraguay, by the late 1800s Brazil became the top producer.
Benefits
Although it contains caffeine like coffee, mate leaf provides longer lasting energy without a crash. It has nutrients like xanthines and antioxidants that may reduce disease risks. Indigenous groups used yerba mate before colonization. The Guarani toasted, dried and drank the leaves. Jesuits spread cultivation once its popularity grew after colonization. Argentina now exports the most yerba mate worldwide.
Early History
The history of yerba mate stretches back to pre-Columbian Paraguay. By late 16th century yerba mate was widely consumed in Paraguay. In South America, yerba mate is a social and cultural tradition bringing families and friends together. Over centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations. Whilst mate rituals vary by country, these rules are pretty much universal.
Indigenous peoples in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil have been drinking yerba mate for centuries. It is like coffee in that it has caffeine and like tea because it is steeped. Unlike them, mate is generally shared and passed around from one person to the next.
Why So Popular
Argentinians often drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold. Nowadays yerba mate is also sold in cans, bottles, and energy drinks, for drinking anytime. Sharing mate brings people together emotionally. It connects Argentinians to their roots.
The Jesuits realized yerba mate could be commercialized. So it spread through the Spanish empire. Like tea or coffee, friends in parts of South America drink mate together.
Compared to coffee and green tea, yerba mate has some differences despite also containing caffeine. It was originally drunk by the Guarani tribe. They saw it as a gift from the gods. According to legend, an elderly father stayed behind when his tribe moved on. His loyal daughter remained with him. The god Pa’ i Shume visited them disguised as a shaman. He told the father the daughter should find her tribe. But she refused to leave her father’s side. To reward her loyalty, the god revealed the yerba mate plant to them.
Top Consuming Countries
Yerba mate is a popular South American drink quickly gaining popularity worldwide. In Argentina, 5 kg of yerba mate is consumed annually per capita. Uruguay is the largest consumer at 10 kg per capita.
The Guarani were the first to drink yerba mate. They were farmers who believed yerba mate was a gift from the gods. The Guarani introduced yerba mate to the Spanish settlers who adopted the habit after seeing its health benefits.
Over the centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations. There are fundamental mate etiquette rules that impress locals. Offering mate is a sign of respect and a great way to make friends.