Although at first glance it looks like a tea, but the mixture is one of the most traditional infusions in Argentina that is actually a mixture of herbs.
It is called the Mate, which is prepared with yerba leaves called «Ilex paraguariensis», which contains caffeine, herbs and proteins, as well as hot water.
It has been drunk since pre-Columbian times by the Guarani, a local ethnic group in South America. The truth is that Argentina is the world's leading producer of yerba mate, making this a great cultural experience to have during the trip to the country.
“It is more than an infusion, but it has a great sense of participation. As is often the case with food, drinking mate is a way or an excuse to share with friends and family, “the Argentines point out.
It should be noted that the Mate can be taken either bitter or sweet. For beginners, it is recommended to add a little sugar or honey, as herbs can be a bit bitter, if one is not used to it.
Traditionally, mate has to be drunk very hot using a straw called a bombilla that is placed in a small container, which is precisely called "mate", or "porongo" or "guampa", depending on the geographic region that contains the infusion.