Many types of yerba mate. Differences according to country of origin
Yerba mate is a drink that originates from South America. Its popularity in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay can be compared to the popularity of coffee or tea in other parts of the world. Although in each country it is made from the same plant, ilex paraguariensis, the way it is produced, served and drunk differs slightly depending on its origin.
Pioneer of yerba mate production - Argentina
The biggest producers and exporters of yerba mate are Argentina and Brazil. In Argentina, the cultivation and production of yerba is concentrated mainly around the north-eastern province of Misiones. In this country, yerba mate is important not only from the cultural and traditional point of view, but it is also an object of scientific research. It is not without reason that the National Institute of Yerba Mate was established here. INYM takes care of the functioning of the yerba mate market, the quality of the products, carries out scientific research and publishes numerous publications. Argentinean yerba mate is characterised by a small to medium amount of dust, coarsely cut holly leaves and a twigs content of around 30%. The leaves are dried in the traditional way, by brief exposure to fire, in a rotating horizontal cylinder. They are aged for a long time and sometimes smoked, which results in a bitter and astringent taste and a smoky note in the brew. Drinking yerba is a national tradition of the Argentinean people and an everyday habit. It often accompanies family and social gatherings and, as a result, a ritual has been established to brew and drink yerba mate together, passing the pot from hand to hand. Some of the most popular Argentine yerba mate brands are: Amanda, Pipore, Taragui and Kraus.
Chimarrão and green yerba mate from Brazil
Brazilian yerba mate differs from the one originated from Argentina. In Brazil, yerba mate is called "erva mate". The official language in this country is Portuguese, and "erva" in Portuguese means "herb". Among Brazilian erva mate, two types are distinguished - chimarrão and green yerba mate. Chimarrão is very finely ground, almost flour-like, highly dusty and bright green in colour. The aroma is reminiscent of freshly cut grass and the brew is slightly sweet. Due to the very fine structure of mate, Brazilians use a special bombilla to drink their brew, which they call a bomba - it has a characteristic flat filter at the end which resembles a spoon. Green yerba mate owes its name to its light green colour, which is achieved by drying the leaves of ilex paraguariensis with hot air instead of fire and smoke as in the case of classic yerba mate. This variety of yerba mate is usually not seasoned, so that the dried leaves retain their colour and the resulting brew is mild and refreshing in taste. The mate consists of coarsely cut leaves, contains no twigs and is practically dust-free. Interestingly, green yerba mate is almost not drunk at all in Brazil and is produced for export to other continents. One of the most popular Brazilian brands is Barão De Cotegipe, and green yerba mate is offered by the Verde Mate Green brand.
Paraguay - home of yerba mate
Paraguay is considered the homeland of yerba mate. It is said to be where the history of the green drink of the Indians began. Typical Paraguayan yerba mate is characterized by smoky, distinctive aroma and bitter taste, which is influenced by the traditional way of production - using smoke. The dried product is quite finely ground and dusty. Like the Argentinean yerba mate, it contains twigs. Yerba mate in this country is usually drunk in a version poured with cold water - called tereré, which is related to the warm Paraguayan climate and high temperatures. Of course, the Paraguayan variety of yerba mate can also be drunk hot, but then it is more bitter and intense in flavour. Paraguayan yerba mate is often combined with various fruity and herbal additives to create a huge selection of flavour combinations. Popular yerba mate brands from Paraguay include: Pajarito, Selecta or Guarani.
Uruguay - a country in love with yerba mate
Although ilex paraguariensis also grows in Uruguay, and Uruguayans love to drink yerba mate and it is as popular in this country as it is in Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the poor economic and business background prevents the production of yerba. It is therefore imported from Brazil, which makes it strongly resemble the Brazilian variety of yerba mate in terms of texture and taste. The dried plant is finely cut and contains twigs and dust. The taste of the brew has grassy, fresh notes. Uruguayans often drink yerba from gourds called porongo, made from the top of the calabash. Popular brands of Paraguayan yerba mate are: La Selva and Canarias.
