Mate (pronounced ma-teh) is a caffeinated drink made of leaves and stems of Yerba mate (I. paraguariensis) and usually, hot water. It has been consumed in South America for centuries, and today it is still highly popular in countries such as Argentina, parts of Chile, South of Brazil (where mate is known as chimarrão), Paraguay and Uruguay.
Mate cups come in all shapes, sizes, and materials: from bone to silicone, wood to ceramic, glass, metal and gourd.
We have a guide on how to prepare yerba mate and everything you need to start drinking yerba mate including: What type of mate cup, what to look for in a bombilla, and types of yerba.
