Yerba mate (iles paraguariensis), a species of the holly family, is cultivated in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Mate made from dried yerba mate leaves and stems is a widely popular beverage in these countries.
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| Yerba Mate |
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| Modern mate cup and bombilla |
The uniqueness of mate is its traditional or cultural way of preparation and consumption. In a nutshell,
- Fill a cup made from gourd, wood, metal or ceramic over half full with dried yerba mate leaves.
- Flip, shake but not stir to have the leaves lopsided on one side of the cup and larger stems on top.
- Put a bombilla (a special straw) in the hollow space of the cup.
- Pour some cool water in the space. Add hot water (around 80°C) after the cool water is absorbed.
- Sip mate from the bombilla and continue to refill the cup with hot water.
- As a communal drink, continue to refill the cup with hot water and pass it around until the flavor is gone. It is usually one refill/brew per person.
Mate contains caffeine or matteine. It is earthy and grassy. The first brew is very strong and can be slightly bitter.
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| Mate |
