Mate (beverage)

Mate (pronounced MAH-teh) is a traditional South American caffeinated beverage, particularly popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Southern Brazil. It is prepared by steeping dried leaves from the Yerba mate plant in hot water. Mate is often consumed in a social setting, such as family gatherings or with friends. The drink is served with a metal straw from a shared hollow calabash gourd. The straw is called a bombilla in Spanish.

History

The consumption of mate can be traced back to the indigenous Guarani people who inhabited the region that is now Paraguay and parts of Brazil and Argentina. The Guarani consumed mate as a medicinal plant, believing it to have the power to rejuvenate and provide energy. The tradition of drinking mate was later adopted by European settlers in the 16th century and has since become a staple in many South American cultures.

Preparation

Mate is prepared by filling a container, traditionally a hollowed-out gourd, with dried and chopped yerba mate leaves. The gourd is then filled with hot, but not boiling, water. The mate is then sipped through a bombilla, which acts as both a straw and a sieve. The bombilla is traditionally made of silver, stainless steel, or hollow-stemmed cane. The method of preparation varies from region to region, and it can be served sweetened in various ways or flavored with aromatic herbs.

Cultural significance

In many parts of South America, drinking mate is a common social activity. It is often shared among a group of people, especially family and friends. The ritual involves one person, the cebador, who prepares the mate and refills the gourd. The gourd is then passed around the group, each person drinking until the mate becomes washed out or "lavado", at which point it is refilled and passed to the next person. This cycle continues until the yerba mate leaves are used up.

Health effects

Yerba mate contains three xanthines: caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, the main one being caffeine. It also contains polyphenols such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which work to protect the immune system. Studies have found that yerba mate may improve allergy symptoms and reduce the risk of diabetes and high blood sugar. However, excessive consumption of yerba mate has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

See also

• Tea culture
• Coffee culture
• List of national drinks