Different Ways to Prepare and Enjoy Mate Around the World
Mate is a social ritual deeply rooted in South American culture, particularly in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. This infusion of yerba mate leaves has been consumed for centuries and symbolizes sharing, friendship and conviviality. Let's discover together the different ways to prepare and enjoy mate around the world, as well as the growing craze it is generating in Europe.
Argentina : Tradition and Company
In Argentina, mate is a social sharing ritual, a tradition practiced among friends, family or even colleagues. The person in charge of preparing and serving the mate is called the " cebador" .
Here is how the ritual takes place:
Functions of the cebador:
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Preparation of the mate : The cebador fills the container (mate) with yerba mate, taking care to respect the adequate proportion and the correct arrangement to guarantee an optimal taste.
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Controlling the water temperature : It is essential that the water is hot, but without reaching the boiling point, in order to avoid burning the yerba and altering its taste.
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First sorbo : Traditionally, the cebador takes the first sip to ensure that the mate is well prepared.
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Distribution in the round : The cebador offers the mate to each participant in an order, usually clockwise. Each person returns the mate to the cebador after drinking, who refills it and passes it to the next person.
Rules and customs in the mate round:
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Do not move the bombilla : The bombilla (metal straw) must remain in the position where the cebador placed it. Moving it can clog it or alter the taste.
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Saying "thank you" : In this context, saying "thank you" means that one does not wish to drink any more mate. It is a sign for the cebador to no longer offer mate.
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Do not interrupt the order : It is important to respect the turn and not to skip someone in the round, in order to maintain the harmony of the ritual.
In Argentina, mate is often consumed plain, without sugar or additives. It is a raw and bitter drink, but it is part of the cultural identity.
Uruguay : A Permanent Companion
In Uruguay, mate is almost part of everyday life, and it is not uncommon to see people walking with their thermos under their arm, ready to drink a mate at any moment. Uruguayans drink mate everywhere, whether at home, at work or in parks.
As in Argentina, mate is prepared by a cebador who takes care to measure the yerba and water. In Uruguay, some prefer to add herbs such as mint or chamomile to vary the flavors. The ritual is similar to that of Argentina, but consumption is more individualistic, and everyone can prepare their own mate, although it is also shared in social gatherings.
Brazil: Chimarrão , a Unique Variant
In southern Brazil, particularly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, mate is known as chimarrão . This version is slightly different from the one in Argentina or Uruguay. The yerba is much finer, almost like a powder, which gives the chimarrão a smoother texture and a bright green color.
Chimarrão is often served in a larger gourd, and its taste is slightly less bitter than traditional mate. The ritual is also a time of sharing and sociability, and it is common to see groups of friends gather to enjoy this drink in a circle, especially in the morning.
Paraguay: Tereré for Hot Days
In Paraguay, the hot climate has given rise to tereré , a cold version of mate that is perfect for cooling down. Tereré is made by adding iced water (or sometimes fruit juice) to yerba mate, often with local herbs like mint, lemongrass, or other refreshing plants.
This drink is especially appreciated during summer days, and like traditional mate, it is shared among friends or family. Tereré is very popular in Paraguayan culture, where it is consumed throughout the day as a way to combat the heat.
In Europe: Growing Post-COVID Enthusiasm
Mate has been known in Europe for several years, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that it really gained popularity. Many discovered this energizing drink and its health benefits, seeing it as a milder alternative to coffee.
Although mate is a shared drink in South America, in Europe it is often consumed solo, as mate culture is not yet as widespread as that of coffee, present in almost every home. This infusion, which is growing rapidly, has not yet reached sufficient popularity to be commonly shared in groups in the daily lives of Europeans. Young people and lovers of natural products have adopted it for its energizing effects and antioxidant properties. It is now found in organic stores, cafes and online, in different forms: loose, in sachets, in powder, and even in ready-to-drink beverages.
Conclusion
Mate, whether consumed hot, cold, alone or in a group, is a drink that embodies sharing and tradition. Each country has made this infusion its own, adding its own unique touch, but the message remains the same: mate unites people.
Whether you are in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay or Europe, mate invites you to take a break, savor the moment and share a moment with others. It is a tradition that has traveled around the world and continues to conquer new followers, uniting cultures around this ancient drink.
