TheMateis much more than a drink in Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and southern Brazil: it is a social and cultural rite. For those who do not know it in detail:

• What is it?An infusion prepared with the dry and ground leaves of theYerba Mate( ( (Ilex Paraguayan), a tree native to South America. It is served in a container (also called matte) and sipped with a bulb (bomb: metal sorbet with filter).

• Taste and characteristics:Matte is flavorbitter and herbal, reminds a little bit of strong green tea, with smoked notes depending on drying. It can be sweetened, but the traditional one is "bitter" (without sugar).

• Contains caffeine(at mattein is called mattein, but it is the same molecule) at levels comparable to mild tea/coffee. Alsotheobromine(like chocolate) and antioxidants.

• Effect:Energizing but "pair," many say it does not give nervous beak like coffee. In addition, constant sips are taken, keeping prolonged vigil. That is why it is the company of students, workers, etc., for hours.

• Tradition and social:

  • The matte is primed (prepared) and shared on a wheel: a "pinker" person prepares and fills with water, drinks the first (or passes it directly), then serving the bulk. It is a symbol of friendship and hospitality."A matte?"is the typical invitation.

  • It is taken at all times of the day, at home, offices (now they have electric thermos), parks, beaches. In Uruguay you see people with thermos under their arm and kill in hand walking down the street.

  • Cooking wellis a mini art: not to burn the sheerba, achieving good kills (which do not come out "washed" right away, we seek to give several litres).

• Classical preparation:

  1. Mate (recipient):Traditional dry pumpkin (porongo). There are also wood (holy shovel, which perfumes) or metal/ceramic. It heals earlier (pumpkin lets are left moist one day to absorb flavors, etc.).

  2. Yerba Mate:The ~3/4 matte is filled with dry herb. It covers with its hand, turns, shakes soft so that fine dust falls up (so does not cover bulb). The grass is tilted to 45°, leaving one side more empty.

  3. Water:Ideal temperature ~75-80°C (not boiled; boiling water burns herb and bitter too much). A jet of warm water is poured first to moisturize the base (on the most empty side), then the bulb is inserted into that gap.

  4. It is priming: water is thrown almost to the edge of the grass, always on the wet bulb/side so as not to wet the whole of one (so the infusion of one is kept. The first matte is usually very strong and lukewarm (to start with not very hot water so as not to shock).

  5. The prime takes the first or passes it, and replenishes water as everyone drinks their entire matte ( to hear sip air = "it's over").

  6. It repeats itself, passing the "round". When herba no longer flavor (washed"), the sheerba is changed.

• Variants:

  • Sweet Matthew:Some add sugar or sweetener to the water or herb itself. Especially people who start or from certain areas (Paraguay).

  • Mate with yuyos:They can add medicinal herbs (pole, mint, cedron) into the infusion for flavor and properties.

  • Tereré:Paraguayan version: matte with cold water or cold citrus juice, very refreshing in heat. Special yerba mate is used for tereré (something different).

  • Matthew of milk:Weird but it exists: to infuse with milk instead of water (some do so for children with softer and more nutritious flavor).

  • Cooked:"Killed killing" is like tea: the grass is boiled in water, sneaked, drunk in a cup with sugar or milk. Popular in certain regions (and in sachets).

  • Mate argentino vs Uruguayan:Uruguayans use smaller matte, filling yerba, sip water. Argentines sometimes larger kills, its bulb is sometimes different in shape, the Argentine yerba has somewhat more stick, Uruguayan is purer leaf and thinner taste, less harder.

• Properties and benefits:

  • Energizing by caffeine. He keeps alert. Although in matte it is consumed slower, in total one round can take 1/2 liter of matte or more, which would be equivalent to ~100-150 mg caffeine (quite) but in extended period.

  • Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols, saponins). Anti-inflammatory potential, mild vasodilator, has been seen reducing LDL cholesterol in some animal studies.

  • Vitamins: it has B1, B2, and minerals (potassium, magnesium), although it is not significant unless you take a lot.

  • Mild digestive (stimulating gastric juices) but on an empty stomach a lot can cause acidity to sensitive.

  • Moderate diuretic (caffeine).

  • Social: reduces stress and depression on the Community aspect.

  • Health care:VERY hot matte was associated with increased risk of esophageal cancer in studies in Uruguay (they took almost boiling 90°C). In other words, the very high constant temperature can damage mucous membranes. It is therefore recommended not to take it too hot, wait for a few seconds for the water. With 70-80°C there is no problem.

  • Hygiene: By shared custom, they can transmit mononucleosis or flu if someone sick shares a bulb. At present, sharing with non-cohabitants was slowed down. The usual in confidence is not considered a major danger.

• Mate vs Café/tea:

  • Less "crash" than coffee say many, more sustained.

  • Particular bitter taste, you must take your taste. Uninitiated are often strong by bitterness and diuretic effect.

  • The matte ceremony is what makes it special, not just the drink itself.

• Products in ExtraVirgen.Store:

  • We bringYerba Mate Canary Islands(uruguaya, very famous, without stick). Also Taragüí or Cruz de Malta (argentines with stick) according to stock.

  • Mates (recipients) and bulbs: sometimes kits for beginners.

  • Even cans of "Sleep ready" soluble or "cooked killing" sacks, but the purist prefers the original herb.

  • And gadgets: thermos, matte holder, etc., there is a whole market.

  • Erva Mate, Brazil:we sell yerba gaucha barbacuá (smoked), etc., there are interesting varieties.

• Getting started:If you are new, I suggest:

  • Try a matte first with a little sugar or stevia until you get used to a palate.

  • Do not use boiling water.

  • Start with 1/4-1/2 thermos, do not throw one (it can accelerate you).

  • See if you like the feeling. At first it may be mild dizziness if not accustomed (from caffeine and fasting tannins). Take it with a biscuits or something next door the first time.

• Pop Culture:

  • It is intangible: A matte with friends at sunset or on the beach is synonymous with talk and friendship in Uruguay/Arg.

  • It has crossed borders: you will see it in the hands of Messi, Suárez, Pope Francis, actors... it became "cool" to carry your matte kit.

  • Researchers in Silicon Valley even adopt matte as "the new startup drink" for energy without anxiety.

Summary: Matte is an ancestral tradition (of Guaraní they already drank infusion before settlers) from a social pillar. It is worth testing not only because of its properties, but also for connecting with that culture of fraternity and contemplation which involves sitting down and taking killing. As it is said:"Cilling, the problems of the world are solved..."