What countries drink mate?
This herbal tea is a traditional drink in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia and Brazil. The leaves are dried and steeped in hot water. It contains caffeine. Sharing mate is an important social tradition. It brings families and friends together. Being offered mate shows respect. Mate rituals have been passed down for generations.
Where is mate consumed?
This South American drink originated in Argentina. Now it has spread far beyond its home country and can be found all over the globe. The leaves are dried, chopped and ground into a powder. It is then drunk through a metal straw known in Argentina as a Bombilla. The bombilla also acts as a sort of sieve. People often carry big thermo flasks when they drink mate to keep the water warm as it is refilled several times.
Over the centuries, the art of sharing mate has been passed down through generations. In fact, many of the traditions we see today have been commonplace in mate circles across South America for years!
In South America, mate brings families and friends together. Being offered mate is a sign of respect and a great way to make new friends. Sharing mate is something of value beyond the mere act of getting together to drink something.
Consumption in Argentina rises up to 14 pounds a year per capita. It is ingested in 90% of the country’s households. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset. They drink it hot or cold depending on the weather. Mate has become increasingly common to drink from cans, bottles, and energy drinks, so it is more convenient to drink on the go. But more than a habit, getting together to matear forges emotional links between people. And it takes the Argentinians back to their roots.
The plant is mainly grown in Argentina, where there is an average temperature of 21°C. The dry seeds are sown between March and April. It can have a productive life of up to 100 years.
Preparing Mate
Preparing the maté is not just putting the yerba in the cup and drink it. There are some rules for it. First, you fill the maté cup with the yerba. Afterward, put the bombilla in the maté cup with the dry yerba in it. Pour water near the bombilla until the yerba is saturated.
Consumption in Argentina
It is a popular drink in Argentina. Over 90% of households consume it. Surveys show it’s the most important symbol of Argentinian identity. It provides an energy boost due to its high caffeine content. It is linked to increased alertness, improved concentration and enhanced physical performance.
Drinking mate brings people together. It is a way to chat and debate. Mate represents sharing and friendship. It has health benefits too. Mate is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. It helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
Consumption in Chile
Drinking mate is a common social practice. The method of preparing the infusion varies considerably from region to region with debate around which method yields the finest outcome.
The preparation is simple, consisting of filling a container with yerba, pouring hot water over the leaves and drinking with a metal straw that filters the leaves. Mate has strong cultural significance for national identity and society. The ritual of preparing and sharing mate amongst family and friends is an important tradition passed through generations.
There are health risks to drinking it regularly over long periods, mainly mouth, esophagus or lung cancer. The risks increase if combined with smoking. Those with sleep issues should restrict consumption after 6pm as it can exacerbate problems. Occasional drinkers are unlikely to suffer ill effects.