Looking to try a new tea and shake up your routine? Discover Argentine tea, or yerba mate, and open yourself up to a whole new world of flavour. This drink is a cultural icon in Argentina, consumed as widely as everyday favourites like coffee or tea. What makes it stand out is its reputation for real health benefits: yerba mate is rich in medicinal properties and is recognised as a natural aid for digestion, gut health and weight management. Let's start at the beginning, with the story of mate itself.
The History of Mate: Origins
To truly understand the history of mate, we need to go back to its roots. Mate leaves once served as sustenance for indigenous peoples, particularly during long journeys on foot. For the Guaraní people, mate was more than a drink, it was a form of communion, bringing communities together and serving as a currency of exchange with the Inca and Charrúa peoples. Spanish conquistadors were next to encounter and spread the use of this prized brew. Later, the Jesuits made a significant contribution to the cultivation and study of mate, though the secret of its germination was lost with their departure. It was not until the early 20th century that mate cultivation reached the scale we know today. After trials in various countries, one thing became clear: yerba mate thrives only in its native region, spanning Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and south-western Brazil. The humid tropical climate of these lands is uniquely suited to growing mate, making it a vital source of income for communities across the region.
The History of Mate: Processing and Transformation
In the wild, the mate plant is a tree that flowers between October and December, typically reaching around 4 metres in cultivation. After germination, seedlings are raised in nurseries, and it takes roughly four years before the first harvest. Each plant yields around 20 kilos of usable leaves per year. Time is of the essence: the leaves must be processed into mate within 24 hours of harvesting. They are then dried and ground before being bagged and left to mature for at least one year. This resting period is essential to developing the distinctive flavour of traditional mate.
The History of Mate: Health Benefits
The benefits of mate have been recognised since its earliest use. The Guaraní people already valued it as a natural remedy for its energising and fortifying properties. Drunk regularly, a cup of mate tea actively combats both mental and physical fatigue. Beyond that, it acts as a natural appetite suppressant, supporting weight management and promoting a feeling of fullness. Its diuretic properties have a positive effect on digestion, and it is also said to help reduce bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, ease migraines and support heart health. Mate has long held a place in traditional medicine for its therapeutic and energising qualities, and it is an excellent source of B vitamins and antioxidants.
The Story of Yerba Mate and Its Symbolism
The story of yerba mate begins with the Guaraní. Beyond its role as food, this medicinal plant was also offered as a sacred gift during ritual ceremonies. In mate lore, it is described as a gift from the gods, and the ritual of preparing it is treated with care and reverence. Traditionally, it is drunk from a gourd (a hollowed-out, dried calabash) through a metal straw. Today, drinking mate is above all about sharing a moment, slowing down, and enjoying good conversation.
Explore our range of organic mate loose-leaf teas: green mate, traditional mate, and fruity blends (orange, pomegranate, mango-guava). Certified organic, with delivery across mainland France.