Argentina Most Popular Beverage: History and Origins of Yerba Mate

Argentina has several traditional drinks, such as Malbec, Torrontés, and yerba mate. There are also several coffee variations that travelers and locals can order in Argentina, such as Café con Leche, Cortado, Un Cafecito, and Lagrima.

However, there is a drink that is more popular compared to coffee and cocktails in Argentina. One of Argentina's most popular beverages is yerba mate. The tea is made of mate leaves dried over fire then placed in a ceramic or metal container.

The flavor of this traditional Argentine beverage is similar to green tea, which can be slightly bitter. Some people sometimes mix it with more herbs. It can also be served with milk, fruit juice, and brown sugar.

Yerba mate is usually consumed with the use of a mate cup or hollow gourd, which is usually half full of mate tea. Most of the gourds are made of metal, glass, wood, or clay.

As part of the tradition, family members and friends drink from the same gourd. It is seen as a sign of bonding, friendship, and affection.

Yerba Mate in Argentina: History and Origins

The popular beverage yerba mate can be dated back to the indigenous Guarani people, who were the first to make infusions with its leaves. The Guarani people also used it as an object of worship and as a currency exchange with other populations.

For the Guarani people, the yerba mate plant was "essentially a gift from the gods." The Guarani people were the main influencers when it comes to the present-day consumption of yerba mate. The indigenous group also incorporated yerba mate in medicine and religious practices.

People have not used the gourd first, initially consuming it by chewing the green leaves. The conquistadors had seen the natives and observed them consuming yerba mate.

They realized the energizing properties of mate and spread the word about the plant and its users. The Jesuits who settled in the north also contributed to the culture of yerba mate by growing the crop on their reductions.

Yerba Mate in the Culture of Argentina

In the late 19th century, the industrial production of yerba mate in Argentina started with French landscape architect Carlos Thays, who laid the foundations.

Thays was also responsible for several Argentinian parks. The French landscapist also devised a method for artificial germination using hot water.

Surveys noted that mate is the most important symbol of Argentinian identity. Meat is a close second to mate. The average annual mate consumption is 22 gallons or 100 liters per person.

In 2020, Argentina produced more than 660 million pounds of yerba mate. Aside from Argentina, the drink also became famous in Syria as countries exchanged customs.

Yerba mate is also consumed in Paraguay, Uruguay, some parts of Brazil, and in the South of Chile, and in the rural areas of the central region.

Argentina celebrates the National Mate Day on November 30 since 2015 after a law promoted the consumption of mates at every official event.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Mate Culture - From AllegroCoffeeCompany