Mate

Mate is the national drink of Argentina. Made from the leaves of the Yerba-maté plant (Ilex paraguariensis) great ceremony is taken in its preparation. This varies from region to region and to personal taste. The infusion has a strong aromatic green tea-like taste with hints of tobacco and oak flavours.

Mate is traditionally drunk with a special straw called a bombilla that can be both used as an instrument to settle the particles in the Mate and as a filter when drinking the infusion. Great care is taken to settle the Yerba leaf before drinking. This is a very traditional infusion and plays an important part in many South American cultures.

Region: Argentina