This South American drink is made from the yerba mate plant. It contains caffeine and antioxidants. The leaves are dried, ground, and steeped in hot water. People drink it from a gourd with a metal straw. It has become popular worldwide.
Drinking mate traditions
Drinking it together is a social tradition. There are rules for sharing mate in a group. The drink is passed around in a circle. It brings families and friends together.
The yerba mate plant grows in parts of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. These countries produce and consume the most of this drink.
It has possible health benefits. It may help protect against cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and more. The antioxidants support the immune system. It can boost metabolism and burn fat. The caffeine provides energy.
Drinking it is less common than drinking coffee in South America. But many South Americans drink it daily as part of their culture. The traditions around it have been passed down for generations.
Yerba mate means “gourd herb” in Spanish. It refers to the yerba mate plant used to make the popular South American drink. In Argentina, yerba refers exclusively to the yerba mate plant.
The drink is called chimarrão, tereré, or chá mate. Argentines drink up to 14 pounds of yerba mate per capita annually. Over 90% of households consume it monthly.
Indigenous peoples first cultivated the plant in Paraguay. They called it “ka’a” or “herb” and “what keeps us alive”. The Quechua word “mati” meaning “infusion” or “gourd” led to the Spanish word mate.
Yerba mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. This caffeine-containing tea is a traditional drink in parts of South America. The indigenous Guaraní and some Tupi communities first cultivated yerba mate before European colonization.
Today, Argentines drink about 220 million kilograms of yerba mate per year, equivalent to 30 million people drinking 7.5 kilograms each annually. Compared to coffee, yerba mate has less conclusive research on its long-term health impacts. But it provides a more sustained energy boost from its high caffeine content. Yerba mate also contains compounds linked to health benefits like focus and nutrient absorption.
The flavor of yerba mate is often described as grassy or herbal. When combined with citrusy lemongrass, it makes a refreshing and stimulating drink containing both caffeine and antioxidants. For those seeking an earthy, energizing beverage that’s ethically and sustainably sourced, yerba mate is an excellent choice over coffee or tea.
Mate is a caffeinated beverage from the ilex paraguariensis plant native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. What does mate mean in Argentina? Mate is THE national drink. Argentinians drink mate from a mate cup or container called a gourd or calabash. You sip it through a metallic or wooden straw with a filter so the leaf pieces don’t go through.
Mate is ubiquitous in Argentina. It’s a symbol of identity and roots with its own ritual, preparation and culture. Mate’s versatility means some drink it morning and afternoon—sweetened or bitter, blended or pure.
The custom of drinking mate began with the indigenous Guaraní people native to Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. In Argentina mate drinking is a cherished tradition fostering bonds and conversation.
Mate is beneficial for your health. It’s rich in antioxidants, helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and contains minerals and vitamins. It has a high caffeine content providing an energy boost.
The way mate is prepared and consumed makes it a communal, social experience. Mate represents sharing and brings people together.