Mate consumption in Argentina

Mate is the most consumed infusion in Argentina, far more than coffee and tea. According to the National Yerba Mate Institute, an average of 100 liters of mate is consumed per person per year in the country. Mate is present in more than 90% of Argentine homes.

Production and marketing of mate in Argentina

In addition to being the world's leading consumer, Argentina is also the largest producer and exporter of yerba mate, commanding 60% of the global market with its harvest in the provinces of Misiones and Corrientes. There are more than 200 brands on the market, with Las Marías (with its main brand, Taragüi) leading the way with over 30% of the domestic mate market, according to an article in Tea Coffee magazine.

Thanks to these impressive figures, yerba mate produced in Argentina earned the Designation of Origin certificate. In addition to providing legal protection, this certificate represents the fundamental link between the quality of a given product and the geographical location where it is produced.

The custom of mate in Argentina

The custom of drinking mate every day (or even several times a day) is widespread throughout Argentina, regardless of the social or economic class of its citizens. Most prefer to drink it hot and with a straw, unlike countries like Paraguay, where it is usually consumed cold (tereré). Statistics also reveal that Argentines often add sugar to soften the yerba's characteristic bitterness, although at Taragüi, we suggest leaving it unsweetened to experience the authentic flavor of mate.

Many people drink mate alone while studying or watching television, but it is very common to drink mate with a group of friends (a custom inherited from the Guaraní). Generally, there is someone in charge of pouring hot water into the mate (the "cebador") and passing it around to each member of the group.

Part of the culture

The first to discover the virtues of yerba mate were the Guaraní natives in South America, and its use later spread thanks to the Jesuit missions. However, it was the gauchos who adopted the custom of drinking mate and integrated it forever into Argentine life.

Although mate as a beverage has many health benefits, such as its pleasant stimulating effect and its purifying and antioxidant properties, the reality is that in Argentina, mate is drunk more as a historical tradition and as a very meaningful form of social interaction. It is an inseparable part of their culture and traditions.

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