Now that we all visualize what mate is and how it is consumed, what about in South America, and more precisely in Argentina, in its country of origin?
・To start, a cultural point:
According to a book published by the Establishment Las Marías, the discovery of yerba mate can be associated with the Kaingang (Brazilian indigenous ethnic group) around 3000 BC; who consumed the plant in its raw state.
But the real history of mate begins with the Guarani tribe . This herb was not only part of their diet but was also used as a ceremonial offering. This tribe actually completed the method and process of consumption by putting the leaves in gourd water and rubbing the liquid into a gourd made of sugar canes. In fact, the word "mate" comes from the Guarani word "Caa-Mate" . “Caa” is a plant or herb, and “mate” refers to the gourd from which they drank it.
But in addition to enjoying the nutritional benefits of mate, they worshiped it as a sacred gift from the gods of special spiritual importance. They worshiped it and believed they gained the power of the jungle by drinking mate . Thanks to all this value that the Guarani attributed to mate, it became a currency of exchange for other pre-Hispanic peoples: Inca, Charrua, Araucanos, Pampa, who included mate in their culture in their own way.
・The virtues associated with this magic potion:
The benefits of mate have been proven since its creation. It was originally used by the Guarani as a natural remedy due to its stimulating and tonic properties . Drinking mate regularly, whether mentally or physically, has a direct effect on fatigue , and is a real appetite suppressant which has a slimming effect .
If you are interested in all the benefits of mate, it’s here!
・How to consume mate properly?
Mate, or more precisely yerba mate, is the national infusion , which is consumed in Argentina perhaps even more than coffee; it is therefore natural that there is a certain way of consuming it in the country.
Preparing for this moment should not be left to chance. Indeed, the latter is commonly drunk in gourds hollowed out and then dried , with metal straws, called bombillas.
First, we drink the mate one by one in the same traditional calabash by circulating it counterclockwise, to slow down time, as they say locally.
As here, the water must be hot, not boiling. The ideal is to infuse the herbs between 70-80°C. The host (the person in charge of the circle), is responsible for filling the bowl of each person invited to this moment of sharing and conviviality , and they make sure to thank the host, otherwise the ritual will end directly.
To finish, we drink the mate with the classic bombilla , which also serves as a filter.
So, if you have the opportunity to go to Argentina, you will see that a group of 5 or 6 people (rarely more) rotate the mate contained in the calabash , and that only one person is in charge.
You will see them pour hot water every 2 turns; of course, herbs lose their taste after a while. In this case, the manager in charge will throw it away and start again with a new yerba! This can take a long time (e.g. hours).
Note that if you are part of the circle, you must drink each time and give the calabash to your neighbor.
How to stop? When it's your turn, simply say "gracias" so that you won't be offered subsequent rounds!
So, tempted by the idea of drinking mate in a purely traditional way?
