What kind of tea does Argentina drink?

Answer 1

The traditional beverage in Argentina is the "Yerba mate", made from the dry leaves of a tree that grows in northeastern Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, (Ilex paraguariensis).

The Spaniards in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and the Portuguese of southern Brazil adopted the drink from the local Guarani natives. It is refreshing in summer (drank cold as "terere") and its caffeine content keeps you awake. It warms you in winter.

The leaves are dried, treated and ground and an infusion is made with them, known as "mate".

It is prepared by using a "mate" (a gourd or dry squash or a metal "cup"). The "yerba" is placed in the "mate" and hot water is poured into it from a kettle. The liquid is then sucked through a "bombilla" (metal tube with a mesh on its lower tip - to filter the "yerba" leaves).

Mate is usually drank in company, and the gourd is successively refilled with water and passed on to the next person. Yes, all drink from the same "bombilla" which surprises most foreigners and seems an unhealthy practice (which it may be).

It is also provided in "tea bags".

Mate tastes like a strong and slightly bitter green tea.

In Argentina we also drink tea (mostly dark and with a shot of lemmon juice) and plenty of coffee.