Mate leaf is a species of holly native to subtropical South America. The leaves are used to make a tea called mate. Mate leaf contains caffeine and nutrients. Indigenous peoples of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil first cultivated mate leaf prior to European colonization. Jesuit missionaries later realized its commercial potential and spread consumption of mate leaf throughout their settlements in these areas.
The mate leaf plant can grow over 15 meters tall in the wild. Cultivated plants are smaller for easier harvesting. Wild plants grow best in shade. Their leaves have more nutrients and flavor compared to plants grown in full sun. The leaves of wild plants are harvested every other year, while farmed plants are harvested annually.
In the United States, mate leaf products are sold at natural food stores, international markets, and large retailers like Kroger. Tea bags are convenient, but purists prefer sipping loose leaf mate leaf from a gourd using a special straw called a bombilla.
What country is mate herb most popular?
To understand the global appeal of mate herb, it’s important to know where it comes from. This caffeinated herbal tea originally hails from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil in South America. Mate herb consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of Argentina’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather. As things evolve, mate has become increasingly common to drink from cans and bottles, so it is more convenient to drink anytime.
In South America, mate herb brings families and friends together. Being offered mate is a sign of respect. Over the centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations.
Mate herb is traditionally consumed in central and southern South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and Chile. It is also popular in the Middle East.
Where is the mate leaf harvested from?
Yerba mate is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Ilex Paraguariensis plant, which is native to South America. It has been consumed for centuries by indigenous communities in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil as a social and medicinal beverage. The plant is harvested similar to tea, to make a specialty beverage popular throughout South America. The plant grows mainly on certain soils rich in phosphorus, potassium and iron. Almost 80% of the area of occurrence is located in Brazil. However, Argentina and Paraguay are the largest producers and exporters. The plant can have a productive life of up to 100 years. Despite health risks from overconsumption, mate leaf continues to have cultural significance in many South American countries where its use originated centuries ago.
Where does the best mate come from?
Mate comes from South America, specifically Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil where the climate is ideal. It was first cultivated by indigenous peoples like the Guaraní. Mate is commonly compared to green tea but is not actually a tea. It has a similar amount of caffeine as coffee but does not cause jitters.
An average Argentinian drinks 100 liters of mate per year. Over 90% of homes in Argentina have mate.
There are quality mate products like Taragui Yerba Mate from Argentina which has a bitter, smoky flavor. The tea has rough-cut leaves and stems. Other good brands combine great flavor, responsible production, reasonable pricing and ease of use. Some have added flavors for beginners.
Mate is traditionally consumed by continuously sipping for hours and adding more leaves or water. It is drunk through a metal straw that filters out leaves. People carry thermoses to keep water hot for refilling mate.