Mate Tea

Mate tea (Chá Mate) is a traditional beverage widely consumed across several regions of South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Within Brazilian culinary culture, Mate occupies a central role in both daily life and social interactions. This beverage is prepared from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant and was historically consumed by Indigenous communities. Over time, it was adopted by colonial societies and immigrant populations. Mate tea is consumed throughout Brazil, though it is particularly prevalent in the southern regions of the country.

Historical and Cultural Origins of Mate Tea

The origins of Mate tea can be traced to the Indigenous peoples of South America, particularly the Guarani and Tupi communities. These groups harvested the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant to benefit from its medicinal properties and to use it during social and ritual gatherings. The plant grows naturally in southern Brazil, northeastern Argentina, and Paraguay. The term "mate" is derived from the Quechua word mati, which refers to a drinking vessel or gourd.

In a historical context, the consumption of Mate expanded with the arrival of Spanish and Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century. Jesuit missionaries began cultivating the plant systematically, which eventually gained commercial value and was exported to European markets. Over time, Mate became integral not only to Indigenous communities but also to the broader societies of the region. In Brazil, particularly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná, the traditional hot Mate known as chimarrão has evolved into a symbol of communal identity.

Structural Characteristics and Preparation Process

Mate tea is prepared by infusing erva-mate, a material obtained through the drying and grinding of Ilex paraguariensis leaves, with water. In Brazil, there are two main forms of consumption:

• Chimarrão (Hot Mate)
• Tereré (Cold Mate)

Chimarrão

• The leaves are ground into a fine powder.
• Traditionally served in a gourd known as a cuia.
• Consumed using a metal straw with a filter, called a bomba.
• Brewed with water at a temperature of 70–80°C. Boiling water is avoided, as it can cause the leaves to develop a bitter taste.
• During the brewing process, the erva-mate is compacted with a slight incline on the side where the water is poured.

Tereré

• The leaves are more coarsely ground and dried.
• Prepared with cold water or flavored waters.
• Especially popular in northwestern Brazil and border regions with Paraguay.
• Consumed as a refreshing beverage in hot climates.

The temperature of the water used and the method of infusion determine the taste and aromatic profile of Mate tea. In Brazil, industrially packaged Mate tea is also widely available in both plain and flavored varieties (e.g., lemon, peach) and is commonly sold in markets.

Sociocultural and Nutritional Context

In Brazil, Mate tea is regarded not only as a beverage but also as a symbol of social solidarity and communal sharing. The act of sharing chimarrão, particularly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is an inseparable part of Gaucho culture. A single cuia and bomba are passed around and shared among a group of people. This ritual is maintained as a tradition that strengthens community awareness and social bonds.

Tereré, on the other hand, is widespread among youth and rural populations in regions such as Mato Grosso do Sul and the border areas with Paraguay. Due to its refreshing qualities, it is frequently consumed by agricultural workers. Mate is also favored in urban settings, where iced Mate tea is often served with lemon or other fruit flavors in cafés and at beaches.

From a nutritional perspective, Mate tea contains caffeine and is considered a stimulant that enhances alertness. It is also rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Owing to its digestive and metabolism-boosting properties, Mate has found a place in modern dietary practices. However, excessive consumption—particularly when served hot—may pose certain health risks, and moderate intake is therefore recommended.

Mate Tea (Chá Mate): Ingredients and Preparation Process

Main Ingredients

For Chimarrão (Hot Mate)

• 1 cuia (traditional hollowed gourd or wooden cup)
• 1 bomba (metal straw with filter)
• 3–5 tablespoons of erva-mate (finely ground mate leaves)
• 500 ml hot water (70–80°C; must not be boiling)

For Tereré (Cold Mate)

• 1 guampa or cup (traditionally made from animal horn or stainless steel)
• 1 bomba (filtered straw)
• 3–5 tablespoons of erva-mate (coarsely ground, dried leaves)
• 500 ml cold water or flavored water (optionally with ice cubes)
• (Optional) Slices of lemon or mint leaves (for added aroma)

Preparation Steps

Chimarrão (Hot Mate) Preparation

Preparing the Cuia

• Rinse the cuia with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
• Fill approximately two-thirds of the cuia with finely ground erva-mate.
• Tilt the cuia so that the mate settles on one side, creating a slope and leaving an empty space for pouring the water.

Placing the Bomba

• Carefully insert the bomba into the empty side, ensuring the tip does not become buried in the mate powder.
• The first infusion should be lukewarm water, poured into the empty space. This moistens the leaves and reduces bitterness.

Brewing with Hot Water

• Slowly pour water at 70–80°C into the area where the bomba is placed.
• Always pour the water from the same spot; this ensures the mate infuses gradually.
• As the liquid is consumed, additional hot water is added and the process is repeated.

Tereré (Cold Mate) Preparation

Preparing the Guampa or Cup

• Fill more than half of the guampa or cup with coarsely ground erva-mate.
• Tilt the container to gather the mate leaves on one side.

Placing the Bomba

• Insert the bomba into the empty space created by the tilt.

Adding Cold or Flavored Water

• Pour cold or flavored water (e.g., lemon water) next to the bomba.
• Optionally, add ice cubes, lemon slices, or mint leaves.
• As the liquid is consumed, more cold water is added and the process continues.

Serving and Consumption

• Chimarrão is traditionally shared in small sips, passed from person to person in a group setting.
• Tereré is generally consumed individually or in groups, and serves as a refreshing beverage in hot weather.

Nutritional and Health Perspectives

• Mate tea contains natural caffeine (known as mateine), providing a stimulating effect.
• It is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols.
• Scientific literature notes its potential to aid digestion and enhance metabolism.
• However, excessive consumption—especially when served hot, as with chimarrão—may pose risks for esophageal health. Therefore, moderate consumption is recommended.