Tea preparation and culture
The herbal infusion is a popular drink in Argentina. It’s consumed in 90% of households. Argentinians drink it hot or cold depending on weather. The tea has become popular in cans, bottles, and energy drinks, so people can drink it anytime. Sharing mate forges bonds between people.
Mate brings people together to share a good time. The infusion is made by steeping Ilex paraguariensis leaves in hot water and drinking from a metal straw. Argentinians drink it for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset. Although preparations vary, mate drinking culture transcends borders.
In Argentina mate links people and connects everyone during the whole event. The Yerba Mate Route lets tourists discover the producing regions and meet growers. Argentinians drink mate at home, work, with friends or family.
Health benefits
Mate’s high caffeine content increases alertness, improves concentration, reduces fatigue, and enhances physical performance. The drink is becoming popular globally. Traditionally drunk from a gourd or calabash using a metal or wooden straw. Mate flavor resembles green tea.
Effects
Drinking the herbal tea is common in South America. The infusion contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and mateine, a mild caffeine.
Although preparations vary, mate drinking culture transcends borders. The goddess Yasí proclaimed the plant a symbol of friendship. “Drinking mate connects everyone,” says Betina. It’s a faithful companion. Mate’s versatility means some drink it morning and afternoon—sweetened or bitter, blended or pure.
Caffeine and energy
Does yerba mate give you a buzz?
The herbal tea is made from the leaves and twigs of a plant native to parts of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The drink contains caffeine and provides an energy boost. The tea is traditionally consumed from a special cup called a gourd, sipping it through a metal straw that strains out the plant matter. It has a bitter, herbal taste.
Argentinians consume upwards of 14 pounds per person per year on average. The caffeine provides a gentle stimulation described as an alert, focused energy without jitters.
The drink is nutritious, containing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It has diuretic and laxative qualities which help purify the body. Research suggests the infusion may also aid weight loss. The tea is commonly enjoyed in the mornings but can be consumed all day without crashes later.
Ingredients
The drink contains mateine, an analog of caffeine. It is made by an infusion of dried yerba mate leaves. Mate is served in a hollow gourd or horn. It is drunk through a metal straw called a bombilla.
Culture and traditions
Argentinians usually drink mate for breakfast with fruit juice or before sunset, hot or cold. Sharing the herbal tea forges emotional links between people. It takes Argentinians back to their roots. With its caffeine, the infusion can disturb sleep.
I had my first mate at Spanish school. We were taught the traditions and how to enjoy it. The tea is shared among friends and brings the group closer.
The Guarani had the idea of making tea from yerba. Jesuits later domesticated the plant.
Nutrition
Aside from its flavor, yerba mate has health benefits – antioxidants, reduced cholesterol and triglycerides. It also contains minerals, vitamins and caffeine.
The gourd is the best vessel for mate. Bombillas are often stainless steel but exclusive ones are silver or alpaca silver. Water temperature should be 75°C so that mate is 37°C to 55°C when sipping.