Yerba Buena Island sits in San Francisco Bay within San Francisco. The Yerba Buena Tunnel runs through its center, linking the Bay Bridge’s western and eastern spans, connecting the city with Oakland. The island was likely named for the native Clinopodium douglasii plant found growing abundantly in the area. The plant’s minty fragrance resembles yerba buena, a name later applied to the nearby cove and settlement.
What country is the South American herb from?
The yerba comes from the subtropical regions of South America. This humid and warm area is perfect for growing the yerba plant. The indigenous Guaraní and some Tupi communities first cultivated and consumed the infusion before European colonization. After the Jesuits discovered its commercial potential, the South American beverage spread through the province.
The herb originated in Argentina but has spread far beyond its home country. Indigenous peoples in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil have been drinking it for centuries as an energizing drink with medicinal properties. The plant quickly became valuable for Spanish and Portuguese colonizers during European trade in South America.
- Syria remains the biggest importer of yerba, importing 15,000 tons a year. The Druze community maintains the culture and practice of mate in Syria and Lebanon.
- In Argentina, the Ruta de la Yerba Mate allows tourists to discover how mate is made and meet growers. Argentines drink mate at home, work, with family and friends, following tradition to obtain perfect mate.
What is the South American herb?
It is an ancient herb from the subtropical regions of South America. This region has a humid, warm climate perfect for growing the yerba plant. Indigenous communities first cultivated and consumed it before European colonization. Jesuits discovered its commercial potential. After that, the herb became widespread.
It is nutritious and full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It contains mateine, a softer version of caffeine. Cold mate is served with hot water. During summer, the water is often replaced by lemonade. Then it becomes "tereré" which is popular among children. Preparing mate follows some rules. It’s not just putting yerba in a cup and drinking it.
Is the South American herb grown in the US?
The plant grows up to forty-nine feet tall. The youngest and greenest leaves are collected, dried and used to make yerba mate.
- It is popular in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Around 5 kg of yerba mate is consumed per person annually in Argentina. Uruguay has the largest consumption at 10 kg per capita.
- It can be grown outside South America. It is possible to cultivate it in controlled environments that replicate its native climate. As long as reasonable control of climate and conditions is maintained, yerba mate can be grown in places like the US, UK and Australia.
There are around 550 variants in the yerba mate family of plants, but only two or three are used to make the drink. The amount of herb used is much greater than for tea and other beverages. This accounts for the large weights consumed annually.
In South America, sharing yerba mate is a social and cultural tradition bringing together families and friends. The rituals of preparing and offering mate have been passed down through generations. Mate etiquette varies slightly among countries but some rules are universal across the region.