Originally translated as the ‘herb one drinks from a gourd’, this South American drink is pronounced [ˈɛɾvɐ ˈmate, -tʃi] in Portuguese. The recipient drinks the few mouthfuls in the container, then returns the mate to the brewer, who refills and passes to the next person. The recipient cannot give thanks until done drinking, or they will not be served more mates.
Preparation
This herbal tea is a traditional drink made by steeping leaves in hot water, often consumed in a gourd with a metal straw called a bombilla. But what does mate mean and why is it popular?
The leaves come from a holly plant native to South America. They are dried and ground into a powder or cut to make the tea containing caffeine. This drink is a popular alternative to coffee and tea, also believed to have health benefits.
The leaves and stem come from a holly-like shrub known as “Ilex paraguariensis.” It has a unique taste and can add an exotic twist to cocktails. It can be combined with rum, vodka, lime and mint for inspired drinks. Chilled, it mixes nicely with lemon juice and sweetener for a refreshingly tangy lemonade. It can also be used to make popsicles and energy balls.
This caffeinated herbal tea differs from coffee or teas. It is made by steeping the leaves and stems of the yerba mate plant native to South America. Especially popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Brazil, the drink is traditionally steeped in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw with filter called a bombilla.
The modern Spanish and Portuguese word mate comes from “mati,” which means “infusion” or “gourd” in Quechua.
The plant starts growing as a shrub, maturing into a 49 foot tall tree. The drink is prepared by filling a gourd with dry leaves then adding hot but not boiling water. Sugar can be added to improve taste. Drinking it is considered a social event, often served in a shared hollow gourd.
This drink is widely popular in Paraguay and Uruguay. It is common to see people in these countries walking the streets sipping mate and carrying a thermos.
Consumed daily in over 90% of Argentine households, this herbal tea continues its reign as a favorite prepared and shared traditionally as a sign of friendship. It is drunk from a hollowed out gourd with a thick, curved metal straw that has a filter on one end. Water is heated but not boiled then poured into the gourd of dry leaves for steeping before drinking.
Health Benefits
Caffeine can enhance memory, focus, mood and more. Other compounds may slow blood clotting, decrease blood sugar and lower disease risk.
After harvest, the leaves go through a carefully controlled drying, grinding and packing process before being sold in South America and beyond. This drink surpasses coffee and tea in popularity in Argentina.
The traditional way to drink it is communally, passing the filled gourd and bombilla straw around a group. Some popular bottled versions fail to recognize this rich cultural context. Entrepreneur Gabriela Simoni started a business in California focused on the traditional preparation after seeing canned versions sold disconnected from their roots.
The indigenous Guaraní and some Tupi communities first cultivated and consumed this drink. After the Jesuits discovered its commercialization potential, it became widespread. Argentinians usually drink it for breakfast or just before sunset, hot or cold depending on the weather. You will need two items to prepare it: a gourd and a bombilla which is a metal straw. Shake gently to bring all the larger leaves and stems to the bottom. Put the bombilla in with the dry leaves. Pour water near the bombilla until saturated.
This drink is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals not found in other drinks. It doesn’t make the drinker jittery like coffee. It promotes a sense of calm.
In Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay this drink is more than a drink. It’s a symbol steeped in tradition and history that brings people together. Offering it to someone welcomes them and shows respect.
What does drinking this herbal tea do?
- This tea-like drink from South America has caffeine and antioxidants.
- It gives energy without jitteriness with health benefits like tea but more caffeine.
It is traditional in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Chile. It symbolizes culture and community as families and friends drink it together with rules for preparing and sharing. The basic cup is a gourd with a metal straw called a bombilla.
The Indigenous Guaraní first drank this tea. They saw it as a gift from the gods. Now South Americans drink it daily like coffee or tea, hot or cold. It’s part of the culture.
What is the spiritual meaning?
This drink is consumed daily in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and parts of Brazil. The indigenous Guarani discovered it in the 16th century. They used it as medicine and believed the cultivated leaves held the spirits of ancestors. The Spanish learned to drink it from the Guarani. Specific items like a mate gourd and bombilla straw are used to prepare it. Mate can be enjoyed plain, sweetened, with herbs or fruit juices.
Drinking it outdoors enhances relaxation and self-awareness. The ritual of preparing and sipping promotes mindfulness of the present moment. Although it has as much caffeine as coffee, it causes less crashes. It shares many benefits with green tea but without causing drowsiness. This drink is a beloved tradition offering both stimulation and tranquility.