Overview
What is the best yerba mate? This traditional South American drink has its origins in the indigenous Guarani culture. There are different types, each with its own flavor and characteristics. Some popular brands include Cruz de Malta, Taragüí, and Amanda. Cruz de Malta is known for its strong and robust flavor. Taragüí offers a smoother, more balanced taste. Amanda is renowned for its traditional production methods and rich, full-bodied flavor. These brands represent the diverse range available.
As a dedicated drinker, Messi has developed his own tradition when it comes to enjoying this beverage. Messi’s favorite blend is the traditional Argentine one, which is known for its strong flavor. This blend typically consists of finely ground leaves and stems. Messi often shares his love with his teammates, creating camaraderie.
Recommended brands
Some brands can leave an unpleasant taste. To avoid this, here are the 5 best brands which most people will enjoy:
- Cruz De Malta has a strong flavor perfect for beginners.
- Rosamonte Special Selection has a smooth, mild taste with complexity.
- EcoTeas brand combines the health benefits with green tea for an energizing synergy.
- Guayaki is the first fair trade company with high sustainability standards.
- Trader Joe’s Organic Sparkling provides a refreshing, organic alternative to regular energy drinks.
Argentina’s team traditions
How much did Argentina bring?
Argentina’s team hauled 1,100 pounds to Qatar. “It has caffeine,” midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said. “But I drink it more to bring us together.” A spokesman said the team brought different types to suit everyone’s taste.
In 1877, when coca was available, Peru went to the World Cup. We’ll never know what might have been achieved had Peru openly used coca, as Argentina used mate.
Cultural significance
It’s typically enjoyed communally. “Drinking connects everyone,” says Betina.
Argentinians call it and drink it daily. It’s a traditional drink found in Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil. The leaves are dried, chopped, ground and mixed with hot water. It’s drunk through a metal straw called a Bombilla.
In addition to loose leaf, companies offer it in forms and flavors. While canned versions don’t come with the traditional straw and gourd, they can help transition to the original flavor.
Argentines now drink to enjoy and preserve tradition. It can be drunk anytime. It can be taken just about anywhere. There are several ways to drink it. The most common is drunk from a hollowed gourd.
Comparison to tea
Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves of a type of holly plant called Ilex paraguariensis. This caffeinated beverage is often shared among friends and has deep cultural roots in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil. It is prepared by steeping dried leaves in hot water and drinking the infusion from a gourd with a special straw that filters out the leaf powder. Well-known drinkers include footballers Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar Jr.
The practice of drinking yerba mate likely originated in Paraguay before spreading across Argentina, Uruguay and parts of Brazil. It was later introduced to Syria and Lebanon by immigrants returning home in the 1970s. It contains caffeine along with numerous vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s commonly touted for providing a boost of sustained energy without the jitteriness of coffee. Some research suggests it may also aid weight loss, benefit heart health, and protect against certain diseases.
Even with global fans, consumption remains concentrated in South America where the average person drinks several gallons per year. People traditionally prepare it by filling a dried gourd most of the way with leaves and pouring hot water over them to steep before sipping the infusion through a special metal straw.