Argentina’s star drink: mate

Mate, not tea?

Mate comes from a plant in the holly family: yerba mate, or Ilex paraguariensis. This shrub bears no resemblance to the tea plant! Yet the infusion made from its leaves is no less delicious. Its particularity is that it grows only in South America, especially in the north-eastern regions of Argentina, around the borders with Paraguay and southern Brazil. History tells us that mate was already consumed by the indigenous Guarani people, who chewed it or left it to steep in their flask of fresh water. This gave it its typical, slightly bitter vegetal flavour. Yerba mate then grew wild, long before it began to be cultivated for commercial purposes.

Yerba mate is renowned for its caffeine and antioxidant content. This Argentine drink is traditionally enjoyed in a calabash with a bombilla, a type of filtering metal straw. Argentinians appreciate its distinctive flavour, often compared to green tea, but with a unique bitterness that evokes the flavours of the South American terroir.

Mate culture in Argentina

Mate consumption is deeply rooted in Argentine culture. In Buenos Aires and in the more remote northern provinces, it is common to see Argentinians sharing this drink at family gatherings or with friends. Mate is often compared to wine or even coffee for its social and cultural role within the country. It is a drink that brings people together, creating moments of conviviality and sharing in an ever-changing world.

The benefits of mate

Beyond its unique flavour, the benefits of mate are numerous!

A nutrient-rich drink

Mate is a source of natural energy. Rich in caffeine, it helps you stay alert throughout the day. It provides 13 vitamins and important minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which are essential for the body. It contains a real concentrate of antioxidants that may help strengthen your natural defences. This is thanks to the polyphenols found in the crushed tea leaves. It is a valuable ally in combating oxidative stress.

The therapeutic properties of mate

The benefits of mate go far beyond simple stimulation. It aids digestion, strengthens the immune system and may even help with weight loss thanks to its diuretic properties. It is a drink that fits perfectly into an organic, healthy routine. For many Argentinians, mate is much more than a drink: it is a way of life that embodies health and wellbeing.

So do you still think that mate is a danger to your health? We have a full article on the subject!

How do you prepare mate?

Argentinians and several of their neighbours drink mate all day long, at home, at work or in the street; with family, colleagues and friends. What do they have in common? They are all extremely attentive to preparing it and enjoying it according to the rules of the art.

Here are the essential steps for enjoying this national drink:.

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

Then enjoy this infusion, alone or with company, for a moment of sharing and conviviality. Mate is often enjoyed while travelling or on relaxing days, reflecting the Argentine way of life.

To find out more about preparing mate!

Mate, a legacy of sharing and conviviality

Indeed, mate is rarely prepared and drunk alone. It brings everyone together, all the time and everywhere. From morning to evening, across all generations and social classes, Argentinians enjoy their favourite drink, in town and in the countryside alike. The calabash is passed from hand to hand, regularly refilled with hot water by the host of the moment, and occasionally topped up with yerba mate. To promote this cultural heritage, tourists are invited to follow the « Ruta de la Yerba Mate » (the mate route), which takes them to the heart of the producing regions to meet the farmers. They share their expertise and traditions with curious visitors. A unique gastronomic and cultural experience in the heart of nature, to include in any travel itinerary in Argentina. Mate also “goes with” other delicious ingredients.

Different mate recipes

Yerba mate pairs wonderfully with other ingredients. Here are some fine examples of mate teas :

• The BB Detox by Kusmi Tea blend brings together mate and green tea in one recipe. BB Detox also features rooibos (which, as a reminder, is not a tea either!), guarana seeds and dandelion.
• The Boost by Kusmi blend also combines mate and tea. Cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and cardamom make it wonderfully flavoursome. Try it once and you will be hooked.
• Blue Detox is sure to make your mouth water. This exotic blend once again combines tea, yerba mate and rooibos. As you sip it, you will be surprised to discover the sweet aroma of pineapple, an integral part of the recipe.
• Last but not least: Euphoria, a blend of mate, tea, cocoa beans, orange peel and orange blossom. A delicious blend that will delight those with a sweet tooth! The recipe’s little extra: the yerba mate is roasted. Roasting makes it more flavoursome.

Now that you know more about preparing mate, do as Antoine Griezmann does, who loves it and never misses an opportunity to promote it: take your yerba mate, your mate and your bombilla and enjoy your mate in good company!