Yerba mate ritual at the time of pandemic: “Let’s share the moment, not the bombilla!”

Coronavirus pandemic turned our lives upside down - countries all over the world had to stop for a moment and learn how to function in this new reality. Today we will tell you a few words about an interesting action led by the Argentinian National Institute of Yerba Mate. We often mention the fact, that Ilex paraguariensis plays an important role in Argentinian culture - today’s article will help you understand how important it is!

Yerba mate in Argentina – the ritual of friendship

Argentina is the biggest manufacturer and exporter of yerba mate in the world. This beverage has been present in this country’s culture for hundreds of years and is still an extremely important part of it. The National Institute of Yerba Mate has been set up in 2002. Yerba mate is unofficially a ‘national beverage’ of Argentina - everyone drinks it: youngsters, adults, elderly people, the poor and the rich. Yerba mate is to unite people. There is even a special social ritual. During social gatherings, the host prepares yerba mate tea infusion, drinks it, and passes mate gourd to another person. Everybody drinks mate tea from the same gourd and through the same bombilla. Each person drinks the infusion and refills mate gourd with water.

Let’s share the moment, not the bombilla!

Due to the increasing number of infections, the National Institute of Yerba Mate has started the action called ‘Let’s share the moment, not the bombilla!’. Its aim is to share the information about precautions and actions that are to stop the spread of COVID-19. The organizers emphasize the need for using your own yerba mate accessories and not sharing it with others. As they say, it is the time that we spent together that is the most valuable. The Institute stresses the necessity to regularly wash mate gourd and bombillas in order to prevent the development of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also encourages Argentinians to follow these rules for the common good. We encourage everyone who enjoys typically Argentinian yerba mate rituals to try Verde Mate Coffee. And remember - in these hard times be careful and take care of yourself and your family and friends!

Graphics sources:

https://yerbamateargentina.org.ar/compartamos-el-momento-no-la-bombilla/

https://inym.org.ar/noticias/yerba-mate-argentina/78846-lanzamos-la-campana-cada-uno-con-su-mate-nos-cuidamos-entre-todos.html