The Mate Amargo

I was thinking: Ok, what should I post thats my first informative "something"?
Of course, first thing I saw, that I am actually drinking right now.

I am sure most people out there have seen this picture, people like me, carrying a "thermos" around, with a recipient that resembles a huge pot pipe or something similar, right? I've been asked about it inumerables times over the years, so, I thought, why not write about it?

So, I introduce you the Mate Amargo!

First of all, where does the "Mate" came from?

We call it Mate Amargo, because it comes from the mate tree/herb, and it is bitter (amargo).

Mate is basically an herb, in spanish: Yerba Mate, botanical name: Ilex paraguariensis, comes from the process of taking mate leaves from the tree:

Source: Wikipedia

Leaves are dried, grinded, and later packaged for production.

Does it have any properties?

Mate herb is known to have lots of healthy properties. In some aspects it's similar to green or black tea, but it is also rich in antioxidants and nutrients, because it includes for example, xanthines, caffeine and theobromine, caffeoyl derivatives, saponins, and also polyphenols, so it boost energy and improve mental focus, protect against infections, lowers blood sugar levels, and other properties.

How do we drink it in Uruguay?

In some countries like Paraguay, they drink it cold, called Tereré, but in Uruguay, also Argentina, you usually boil water and fill that "thermos" we carry around as you might have seen.

Then you put some herb in that little recipient that we also call "mate", pour hot water in, and lastly enjoy your awesome mate sucking through the metal cane we call "bombilla":

We usually gather together with family and/or friends, and share the mate; passing it around and drinking from the very same metal cane. It is something cultural, something that bonds us, and it is pretty cool.

And that's basically it.

It's not a super elaborate explanation, but at least you will have a hint about what the heck is that thing some people drink in Latin America, and they're bringing into other countries too... It is a good thing, not a drug, just a very good and healthy drink. :-)