Argentina’s star drink: mate

The maté, no tea?

The maté comes from a plant in the holly family: yerba mate, or Ilex paraguariensis. This shrub therefore looks nothing like the tea plant! But theinfusion of its leaves is no less delicious. Its particularity is to only grow in South America and particularly in the northeastern regions of Argentina, around the borders with Paraguay and southern Brazil. The story goes that the maté was already consumed by Native Americans Guaranis, who chewed it or let it soak in their gourd of cool water. Thus, it gave it its typical vegetable flavor, slightly bitter. The yerba mate then grew wild, long before it began to be cultivated for commercial purposes.

Yerba mate is known for its caffeine and antioxidant content. This Argentinian drink is traditionally consumed in a gourd with a bombilla, a sort of metal filtering straw. Argentinians appreciate its distinctive taste, often compared to that of green tea, but with a unique bitterness that evokes the flavors of South American soil.

The culture of maté in Argentina

The consumption of maté is deeply rooted in Argentinian culture. In Buenos Aires or in the more remote northern provinces, it is common to see Argentines sharing this drink during family gatherings or between friends. The maté is often compared to wine or even coffee for its social and cultural role within the country. It is a drink that unites, creating bubbles of conviviality and sharing in a world in perpetual motion.

The benefits of maté

Beyond its unique taste, the benefits of maté are numerous!

A drink rich in nutrients

The maté is a natural source of energy. Rich in caffeine, it helps you stay alert throughout the day. It allows you to benefit from its 13 vitamins and important minerals such as magnesium and potassium which are essential for the body. It contains a real concentrate of antioxidants which would help to strengthen your natural defenses. This is thanks to the polyphenols contained in crushed tea leaves. It makes it a major ally in the fight against oxidative stress.

The therapeutic virtues of mate

The benefits of maté go far beyond simple stimulation. It helps with digestion, strengthens the immune system and can even help with weight loss thanks to its diuretic properties. It is a drink that fits perfectly into an organic and healthy routine. For many Argentines, the maté is much more than a drink, it is a lifestyle that embodies health and well-being.

So you still think that the maté is a health hazard ? We have a complete article on the subject!

How to prepare the maté ?

Argentinians and many of their neighbors drink maté all day long, at home, at work or on the street; with family, colleagues and friends. What do they have in common? They are all extremely attentive to prepare it and taste it in the rules of the art.

Here are the essential steps to enjoy this national drink:.

1. Choosing the calabash: This is the traditional container, often made from dried squash.
2. Fill with yerba maté : Fill the gourd two-thirds full with yerba leaves. Depending on your taste, you can add sugar, honey, spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger or anise), mint or citrus peels.
3. Tilt and shake: Tilt the gourd so that the leaves settle on one side.
4. Add the water: Slowly pour hot (but not boiling) water over the leaves. The water should be at an ideal temperature to avoid burning the leaves and affecting the taste.
5. Insert the bombilla: Place the bombilla in the maté keeping it firmly in place.

Then enjoy this infusion, alone or in company, for a moment of sharing and conviviality. The maté is often consumed during trips or relaxing days, reflecting the Argentinian pace of life.

To find out more about the preparation of maté !

Maté, sharing and conviviality as a legacy

Indeed, the maté is rarely prepared and drunk alone. It brings everyone together, all the time and everywhere. From morning to evening, all generations and all social classes combined, Argentinians enjoy their favorite drink, in the city and in the countryside. The calabash is passed from hand to hand, regularly filled with hot water by the master of ceremonies of the moment, and from time to time replenished with yerba mate. With the aim of promoting this cultural heritage, tourists are invited to follow the “ Yerba Mate Route » (the road of maté), which takes them to the heart of the producing regions to meet farmers. They share their know-how and traditions with the curious. A unique gastronomic and cultural experience, surrounded by nature, to integrate into any travel itinerary in Argentina. The maté “accompanies” also tasty other ingredients.

Different recipes maté

Yerba mate goes wonderfully with other ingredients. Here are some good examples of mate teas :

• The mixture BB Detox of Kusmi Tea brings together the maté and green tea within the same recipe. BB Detox also counts on the presence of rooibos (which let’s remember is not a tea either!), guarana seeds or even dandelion.
• The preparation Boost from the Kusmi house also marry him maté and tea. Cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and cardamom make it very tasty. To try it is to adopt it.
• The Blue Detox can only make you salivate. The mixture exotic once again associates the tea, yerba mate and rooibos. As you sip it, you will be surprised to find the sweet aroma of pineapple, an integral part of the recipe.
• Last example, and not least: Euphoria, a preparation of maté, tea, cocoa beans, orange peel and orange blossom. A delicious mixture that will delight the most gourmand among you! The little extra of the recipe: the yerba mate is grilled. Roasting makes it tastier.

Now that you know more about the preparation of maté, do like Antoine Griezmann, who adores it and never misses an opportunity to promote it: take your yerba mate, your maté and your bombilla and enjoy your maté in good company!