A Traditional South American Drink
Mate is a traditional drink from South America that provides an energy boost similar to coffee. When prepared properly, it has a delicious, balanced flavor.
Health Benefits
While mate contains caffeine, it also has other compounds that provide a unique effect on the body and mind. It’s a healthier alternative to coffee or energy drinks.
Avoid constant consumption, 2 – 3 beverages at most. Which should last through the late afternoon. Avoid drinking during the evening, if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
History and Culture
Mate is used to make a beverage known as mate. When served cold, called tereré in Guaraní. Traditionally consumed in central and southern regions of South America. It is also popular in the Druze community in Syria and Lebanon. First cultivated and used by the indigenous Guaraní people and Tupí communities in southern Brazil.
Three Ways to Prepare Mate
I’ll describe how to prepare the infusion in three common and practical ways.
Traditional Method
Photo: Bombilla and mate. Prepare with a gourd and bombilla (traditional). Centuries of drinking, European colonization coercing indigenous people into labor, the bourgeoisie adopting ancient customs as their own. Today, drank from glass bottles, cans, cups and more.
Piporé and Playadito are recommended.
Modern Method
Mate is a drink made by steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water. It tastes like green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak. To prepare mate, you’ll need a gourd, bombilla (metal straw), and loose leaves.
Start by filling your gourd one-half to two-thirds full with leaves. Moisten leaves with cool water. Add 8 oz 170°F hot water. Insert bombilla into leaves. Cover and steep 5 minutes. Flavor to taste.
The Social Aspect
The drink is enjoyed in social gatherings. Meeting up in beautiful, calm nature is part of the tradition. Several people share one gourd with just one bombilla. The gourd gets passed around, creating a bond.
What is Mate?
The infusion, or mate, is made from the Ilex paraguariensis tree. It provides an energy boost similar to coffee, but with less caffeine and more nutrients. It is traditionally consumed from a gourd using a metal straw that helps filter out leaves. Mate was praised for its energy boosting and consumed continuously throughout the day.