Argentina: Mate as a ritual of unity and fraternity

What is mate?

The beverage known as "mate" is an infusion made with the leaves of yerba mate, a plant native to the Paraná River basin, which flows through Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Preparing the yerba involves drying, cutting, and grinding the leaves.

It is left to age, allowing it to dry properly and the flavor to concentrate; this process takes approximately nine months. It is a yerba mate with special significance for the Guarani, an ethnic group from the region, who used it as a ritual beverage—a way to connect with their deities and especially as medicine.

The first communities to use yerba mate as a medicinal resource chewed it, a practice similar to that of the Incas and other indigenous communities with coca leaves. This often gave them energy to perform heavy labor and other tasks.

Benefits of yerba mate

It contains a significant amount of caffeine and is therefore presented as an excellent coffee substitute. Although not fully proven, it is considered to have great benefits for weight loss and, in fact, for healthier digestion. It has a distinctly bitter taste due to its tannin content.

It's also an excellent product for concentration, due to its high energy content. But above all, yerba mate is an excellent cardiovascular regulator, because it contains a large number of antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular diseases and prevent the accumulation of fat in the arteries.

Mate: Fraternity and unity

Mate is part of the Argentine identity, a symbol of camaraderie and family heritage. For many Argentinians, drinking yerba mate is a ritual, an expression of gaucho tradition and customs passed down through generations.

This beverage is part of the culinary legacy that the gauchos left to modern Argentina. The gauchos were the men of the countryside who dedicated themselves to caring for the plains of the region. They are figures who have endured through time as skilled horsemen and herdsmen.

These men acquired the knowledge of the ancient Guarani, including the consumption of mate. This beverage, during their long days of herding cattle, allowed them to gain renewed energy and vigor to continue their work. It also served to warm them after the cold nights in the open countryside.

Shared by all, this tradition of drinking mate stems from the camaraderie and brotherhood of the gauchos. It's a custom that has been passed down to new generations. Now it's common to see groups of Argentinians sitting and enjoying the company of their friends, warmed by a mate.

“When it comes to mate, we are all equal”

• The mate gourd is filled three-quarters full with yerba mate.
• It is shaken while covering the mouth of the mate gourd with the hand.
• The herb should be on one side before stopping so that it is properly positioned.
• First, pour a stream of cold or lukewarm water where there is no yerba mate. This is to make the yerba mate swell.
• The light bulb is placed on the side where there is not so much grass.
• Preparing the mate is one of the most important points; pour the water as close as possible to the bombilla to prevent all the yerba from getting wet.
• The dried herb will gradually hydrate and slowly release its flavor.
• Do not move the bulb when you start using it. This prevents it from getting clogged and the yerba mate from getting wet.

What type of mate gourd should I buy?

The vessel used to prepare Argentine mate is called a "matero." The traditional gourd mate is known as a porongo. While glass, ceramic, and wooden containers exist, these tend to affect the flavor, so the natural gourd is considered the best.

The most commonly used brands for preparing Argentine mate are: Playadito, Romance, Nobleza Gaucha, Mañanita, Piporé, Amanda, and Unión. However, Rosamonte stands out above all others, a yerba mate highly prized by world champions. Some mate blends also contain added guarana, another energizing and stimulating plant.

But many Argentinians prefer classic yerba mate, the kind that best reflects their identity. It has a similar flavor and specific aroma that drinkers love. There are also flavored varieties, which offer a wide variety of combinations. Many of these contain additives that cause the yerba mate to lose its quality.

What are the basic rules of coexistence?

• First drinker: will be the first person to drink to verify that it is correct.
• Do not move the bulb: it should not be touched and much less moved, as it can ruin the flavor.
• Drink all the mate: you must drink all the mate before returning to the server; not leaving any water is a sign of respect.
• Turns and patience: wait your turn, you shouldn't rush the server or the others.
• “Thank you” only at the end: only say it when you no longer wish to have any more.
• Clockwise: the mate is passed according to the hands of the clock, the circle should not be broken.

Mate is one of the most important rituals for understanding the Argentine character. Knowing how to prepare Argentine mate can help you understand the past, present, and future of a nation deeply connected to its rich roots. Through mate, you can find identity, culture, and camaraderie.

Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this incredible tradition. Learn how to prepare Argentinian mate, a legacy passed down from generation to generation.