Debunking myths about an Argentinian tradition: Mate

If you’ve ever spent any time in Argentina, you are most definitely aware of the mysterious, ever-present, drinkable force known as mate. More than just a loose tea infusion consumed from a hollow gourd and metal straw, mate is a social construct with its own set of rites and accepted behaviors, meant to be enjoyed and shared among friends. Here we’ve examined some classic mate myths and misconceptions, so next time you find yourself in Argentina, you’ll have the inside scoop on “the drink of health and friendship”.

MYTH:
It is correct to say gracias when someone hands you the mate
This might seem counterintuitive, as it is pretty much standard practice to say ‘thank you’ when anyone hands you anything, anywhere in the world, ever. But when drinking mate you’ve got to find a way to break that pesky, gracious habit as saying ‘thank you’ signals to the cebador (the guy in charge of the refills) that you are finished and don’t want any more when your turn comes around again. So quit being so polite!

MYTH:
Mate is a cold-weather drink
There’s a strange phenomenon that exists among some native mate drinkers: drinking mate in the summer to cool off! The logic has something to do with the difference between your own body’s temperature and the temperature outside nearing each other and therefore making you feel cooler. Could this belief have merit? We’ve seen enough mate drinking at the beach to wonder…
PS: if you doubt that theory but still want mate in the summer, try mate prepared with cold water: tereré.

MYTH:
Mate is very good for you
Well, the jury is still out on this one. According to popular lore, mate gives you energy, aids in weight loss, lowers cholesterol and contains many antioxidants. Not too shabby. But, on the other hand, there have been studies linking extensive mate usage to esophageal and other cancers (though it is unknown whether that is due to the yerba itself, the way the leaves are dried or even overheating the water used to drink it with). And we can tell you from experience, drinking too much mate can cause tummy aches among native and non-native drinkers alike, so start off slow until you build up some yerba tolerance.

MYTH:
Due to its need for hot water and messiness of the loose yerba tea, Mate is not consumed in the car
This is funny, because compared to some other cultures out there (hmm, US?) Argentinians typically don’t drink or eat much in the car at all. The exception to this, of course, is our dear friend, mate. Mate is a road trip favorite, and any self-respecting highway gas station has a hot water machine so you can refill your thermos while you refill your gas tank. But, ojo! There are frequently signs in the gas station restrooms reminding you not to dump your used yerba in the sink; the garbage or a plastic bag works just fine.

MYTH:
Mate is very, very bitter
Well, true. Mate does have a grassy, herbal, bitter taste. But mate is as diverse as it is popular, and it is acceptable to drink it with sugar as well…so don’t be afraid to ask!  (Although do ask rather than just loading it up with sugar, as if one person in the circle is drinking it with sugar, you all are drinking it with sugar). And you do run the risk of receiving a disapproving look from the extra hard-core mate drinkers in the group, but you are a mate newbie, what do they expect?

Photos courtesy of Juanpol and guillebot

Additional mate questions? Leave a comment below and we’ll see if we can get our resident mate addicts to weigh in!

Katie, a US native, had traveled to Buenos Aires on several extended trips before the city’s lure became too strong and she decided to call it home. Long fascinated by the global scene, Katie earned a degree in International Studies from Miami University and spent time studying and living in Madrid, Spain. She then worked in marketing for an international board game company followed by a brief foray as an online community editor for several websites before joining the Connect-123 team. Still a tourist at heart herself, Katie loves watching newcomers discover the charm of Buenos Aires and takes great pleasure in helping them make the most out of their work and volunteer opportunities while experiencing everything this dynamic city has to offer.