Have you ever seen someone drinking a hot beverage in a strange goblet through a metal straw before and been confused about what you were seeing? Well, you were probably watching someone drink mate, which has turned into a global phenomenon after starting off as a beloved regional drink in South America.
So, just why are South Americans so obsessed with mate and why is it becoming popular elsewhere?
Mate is a hot beverage prepared with the dried leaves and twigs of the yerba mate plant, which is native to the South American country of Paraguay.
The hot water creates an infusion which is then drunk through a straw, or “bombilla”, containing a filter.
Mate is so popular because of how it makes people feel when they drink it. Mate has qualities which lead to increased attention, wakefulness, and focus. Much like coffee, people use mate for a pick-me-up.
Also, in South America, drinking mate is a cultural ritual. Many people, in fact, share their mate with friends and sit around chatting while they drink this beverage.
Have you ever tried mate before? What did you think?
