Thés & Traditions
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Would you like to try a new tea and change your habits? Adopt Argentine tea or mate to discover new taste sensations. It is an emblematic drink in Argentina. Indeed, the history of yerba mate tells that this beverage would be consumed as much as popular drinks like coffee or tea. It should be noted that this type of tea would have health benefits. Its medicinal properties are indeed numerous. The drink is declared as a good stimulant for intestinal transit, digestion, and weight loss. Let's first revisit the history of mate.
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To study the mate history in depth, let's go back to the sources. The mate leaves represented the diet of the Indians, especially when they went on long walks. For the Guarani people, mate was a true religion that brought people together and served as a currency of exchange with the Inca and Charrua populations. The Spanish conquistadors were the next to discover and spread the use of this drink with interesting virtues. Finally, the Jesuits greatly contributed to the development of mate and its detailed study. The secret of germination escaped at the same time as their disappearance. It would take until the beginning of the 20th century to have a mate culture similar to that of today. After several trials in different countries, the conclusion is clear: yerba mate cultivation only develops in its region of origin, which extends between Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and even southwestern Brazil. Indeed, the tropical and humid climate of these regions is conducive to the proper growth of mate. It then represents a significant source of wealth for the inhabitants of these regions.
In the wild, mate is a tree that blooms from October to December. It takes an average of 4 meters for a cultivated specimen. After germination, it is placed in nurseries and it will take about 4 years to obtain the first harvests. A plant produces about 20 kilos of usable leaves per year. However, it must be done quickly, as these must be processed into mate no later than 24 hours after harvesting. The leaves will then undergo transformations, be dried and ground before being placed in a bag for a period equal to or greater than one year. This maturation period is essential to achieve the unique flavor of traditional mate.
Since its creation, the benefits of mate have been proven. Originally, the Guarani people already used it as a natural remedy and for its both stimulating and fortifying properties. When consumed regularly, drinking a cup of mate tea acts directly against fatigue, whether mental or physical. In addition to fighting fatigue, this magic potion is a true appetite suppressant, which has a slimming power and stimulates satiety. Indeed, this drink has diuretic properties and this acts positively on transit. It also helps to fight against bad cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and migraines. Mate is a beneficial drink that is also used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic and energizing virtues. Finally, it's an excellent source of vitamin B and antioxidants.
The history of yerba mate begins with the Guarani people. In addition to being part of their diet, this medicinal plant was also used as offerings during ritual ceremonies. The history of mate speaks of a gift from the Gods. However, the preparation of this moment should not be left to chance. Indeed, it is generally drunk in a gourd (that is, a hollowed and dried squash) with a metal straw. Today, in the current history of mate, drinking this tea means sharing a good moment around long discussions.
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