This popular South American beverage is the national drink of Argentina. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather. Sharing mate forges emotional links between people and takes Argentinians back to their roots.
In Argentina, yerba mate is part of the culture. Tourists can discover how the herbal drink is made and meet the growers. Mate is prepared following tradition, with different steps and techniques to obtain the perfect mate.
Argentina produced 290 million kilograms of yerba mate in 2017. About 90% is produced in Misiones and the rest in Corrientes. Over 22,000 tons is exported yearly to Syria. Argentinians love for the caffeinated drink dates back to the 1850s when Syrians living in Argentina took the habit back home.
I enjoy yerba mate very much. It provides an energy boost due to its high caffeine content. This is linked to increased alertness, improved concentration, reduced fatigue, and better physical performance. The South American beverage has become increasingly popular and can be enjoyed at any time of day.
In Argentina the drink is drunk from a gourd called a calabash. You sip it through a metallic or wooden straw with a filter. Its flavor resembles green tea. The container is what Argentinians call mate and they drink it daily. It’s a traditional South American drink also found in Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil.
Yerba mate is made from dried chopped leaves mixed with hot water. It’s drunk through a metal straw known as a bombilla which acts as a sieve. In Argentina, people pass a gourd filled with yerba mate, creating community and connection. Mate etiquette is followed precisely, ensuring the ritual is respected.
Argentines are proud of mate. It reduces distances between people, invites debate, and is very social. Its use is beneficial for health, rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Mate contains caffeine different from coffee and tea.
Yerba mate is native to South America. Argentina produces the most. In Argentina, yerba mate is part of the culture, a tradition transmitted by inheritance. “Shall we drink some mates?" is an invitation to chat, to stay, to continue the conversation. Mate represents sharing. Aside from its flavor, its use has health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and contains minerals and vitamins. It is an energy drink due to its caffeine content.
Argentina produced 290 million kilograms in 2017. Argentina has a long history of yerba mate production.
Interestingly, yerba mate is also an important business in Argentina. About 90% is produced in Misiones province and the rest in Corrientes province. Surprisingly, 75% of exported yerba mate tea goes to Syria and Lebanon. More than 22,000 tons is exported yearly to Syria. The history behind Syrian people’s love for mate dates back to 1850s when Syrians came to Argentina, fell in love with mate tea, and going back to their country took the habit with them.
Dried and crushed yerba mate leaves are placed into a gourd and drunk through a straw. Mate is a daily ritual, a symbol of Argentine identity. It’s the country’s second most-consumed beverage after water. Fernet is an Italian digestivo brought to Argentina. It is traditionally mixed on ice with Coca-Cola, called a "Fernet con coca.” Argentina is the 5th largest wine producer globally, making inexpensive quality wines. Malbec is most internationally known Argentine wine – it has a dark purple color and fruity flavors. Malbec and steak make the perfect dinner combination. Most wines produced in Argentina are Malbec from Mendoza. Beer is popular in Argentina. Provolone originated in Italy and is used on the grill, to cook alongside meats. It cooks quickly and is served as an appetizer. Fernet has a dark color, intense smell and bitter taste. Settled in Argentina with Italian immigrants, it is mixed with cola soda. Popular in Córdoba, Fernet is a cultural icon shared at gatherings with friends. The mixture is 30% Fernet, 70% soda.
Yerba mate contains caffeine and antioxidants. The caffeine boosts energy, alertness, concentration and physical performance differently than coffee or tea, and it lasts longer.
Drinking mate began long ago among indigenous peoples. Today, many South Americans drink it daily, like coffee or tea. They think of it as part of their culture and history.
In Argentina, sharing mate connects people and forges bonds. Argentines carry thermoses of hot water to drink mate throughout the day. At gas stations you can buy hot water for mate.
Argentines drink mate in a ceremony, following customs and showing respect. Mate etiquette matters.
Argentina produces most yerba mate globally. Syria and Lebanon import a lot of it. Argentines drink the most mate per capita worldwide.
Drinking too much over time may increase cancer risk, especially if you smoke or drink alcohol. But mate is safe in moderation.