This caffeine-rich infusion is popular in Uruguay. Uruguayans drink the most mate per capita in South America. An apartment doorperson said “Uruguayans drink more mate than Argetines because there are more places to relax in Uruguay”.
The leaves contain theobromine, caffeine and antioxidants. Research showed anticarcinogenic properties like green tea, but also potential link between yerba mate and cancers of the throat and mouth when consumed very hot.
Like coffee, it increases alertness and energy due to nervous system stimulation. For some with heart disease or arrhythmias, it may increase complications.
The taste is quite bitter but interesting. This infusion is rich in polyphenol with antioxidant capacity. However, its effects are rarely supported by serious investigations.
It contains more caffeine than coffee or tea. It provides energy without jitters or anxiety.
This South American drink is consumed in central and southern South America, especially in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. It was first cultivated by indigenous Guaraní and Tupí communities before European colonization.
Its flavor and health benefits like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants contribute to its popularity. Its versatility to drink as tea or energy drink will likely continue its rapid global reach.
What country is this infusion most popular?
This herbal tea originally comes from Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Uruguayans are the biggest consumers in South America. Uruguayans consume nearly 10kg per person per year. That makes Uruguay the largest consumer per capita globally.
It contains caffeine, vitamins, and minerals. The flavor resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs, and grass. Some consider the flavor very agreeable, but it is generally bitter if steeped in hot water.
It is prepared by steeping dried leaves and twigs in hot water, consumed through a special straw called a bombilla, which filters out loose leaves.
The plant is native to subtropical South America. The drink provides health benefits similar to tea. It also has a social role in South American countries, where it is shared among friends. The seeds reportedly only germinate after being digested by specific native birds, which makes cultivation difficult.
Despite the low caffeine content, moderation is still advised when consuming it. Too much may affect the immune, reproductive, and neurological systems. There are also variations of recipes beyond the traditional preparation.
Why is this so expensive?
85% of Uruguayans drink it daily and consume nearly 10kg per person per year. Uruguay doesn’t grow any at all, brands outsource to Southern Brazilian states. Unlike Argentine neighbors, Uruguayans prefer bigger gourds, usually made from the top part of a calabash plant, also known as porongo.
The flavor resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs, and grass. Some consider the flavor very agreeable, but generally bitter. It is everywhere! You see grandmothers sipping at bus stops, teenagers outside night clubs, families at the beach. Sharing in a circle with friends and family is a ritual of hospitality.
It provides healthy stimulation, about as much caffeine gram for gram as green tea. It is traditionally enjoyed hot with a filtered straw called bombilla, from a gourd.
There’s nothing like the smell of tradition. Centuries of the Guaraní tribe drinking it, European colonization coercing indigenous people into forced labor. Today, folks can drink it from glass bottles, aluminum cans, little energy shots, “just add water” cups and more.
How much is it per kg?
The price range in June is US$ 4.99 to US$ 8.99 per kilogram in Uruguay. The price range in Unidad Previsional is UYI 193.94 to UYI 349.4 per kilogram. In 2023, the wholesale price range is US$ 3.49 to US$ 6.29 per kilogram.
In Argentina, 5 kg is consumed annually per capita. In Uruguay, the largest consumer, consumption is 10 kg. It is traditionally consumed in central and southern South America, primarily in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile.
The flavor resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs, and grass. Some consider it agreeable, but generally bitter if steeped in hot water. It is most popular in Paraguay and Uruguay, where people carry the gourd and often a thermo in their arms.
It grows in regions with an average temperature between 68-86°F and rainfall of at least 47 inches per year. Additionally, the soil must be well-draining and rich for optimal growth.