Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Stories, South America, ArgentinaWhile upon first glance many people believe the locals in Argentina are drinking tea, but the concoction is actually a blend of herbs. Mate, an infusion prepared with yerba mate leaves called "Ílex paraguariensis," contains caffeine, herbs and proteins as well as hot water. It has been drunk since Pre-Colombian times by the Guaraníes, a local group in South America. Argentina is the world's number one producer of yerba mate, making this a great cultural experience to have while traveling in the country.
During my visit to Argentina, I saw people everywhere carrying thermoses of hot water and mates, metal cup-like things with bombillas, which are the long metal straws poking out. In every shop and market you will also be able to find ornate mates for purchase. Luckily, I got to try mine with a local friend and learn more about what mate means to locals in Argentina.
"It's merely an infusion, but it has a huge meaning of sharing," explained my local friend Javier Viñuela, whose mother had prepared some mate for a group of us in her home. "As it usually happens with food, drinking mate is a way or excuse to share with friends and family."Continue reading The Meaning Of Mate In ArgentinaThe Meaning Of Mate In Argentina originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
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