Maté

What is mate?

Mate, also known as "Paraguay tea", is a traditional South American beverage made from the dried leaves of "Ilex paraguariensis", a member of the holly family more commonly known as "yerba mate". This tree, which can grow up to 15 meters tall, thrives in the hot, humid forests of Paraguay, southern Brazil and Argentina. The leaves are harvested, dried and ground to produce yerba mate. The resulting infusion is prized for its natural caffeine content, antioxidants and various essential nutrients. A true cultural symbol, it has been consumed for centuries in South America, and its popularity has spread to other parts of the world in recent years.

The benefits of mate

This beverage, much appreciated by sports enthusiasts, has numerous health benefits*. Its natural caffeine content stimulates the body and improves alertness. Linked to the plant's other chemical components, including theobromine, this stimulation is much gentler and more constant than that of coffee. Maté is therefore an interesting alternative to coffee for avoiding daytime fatigue and maintaining energy and concentration during long sports or work sessions.

Mate is also appreciated for its ability to stimulate kidney function and prevent water retention in the body. Its draining virtues make it an excellent ally for eliminating toxins and maintaining a slim figure*

Traditional maté drinking

The traditional way to drink mate is with a calabash and a bombilla. The maté leaves are placed in the calabash, then hot water is added. The bombilla is a special straw used to drink the infusion while filtering it. This method of preparation adds a cultural and social dimension to the consumption of this South American beverage, often shared at gatherings of friends and family.

But while there's something fun and pleasant about drinking it from a calabash with a bombilla, mate can also simply be brewed in a teapot.