The History of Yerba Mate: Preparation, Rituals, Origins, & More

The history of yerba mate is as nuanced as the number of flavors and tastes of the beverage itself. Did you know that yerba mate in South America traces its roots to the 16th century?

People today drink it for the numerous heart-healthy and metabolism-boosting properties it provides. But, long before it was considered a “superfood,” it was a sacred way to enhance one’s spirituality.

In fact, yerba mate is so versatile that it’s used in functional beverages and gourmet foods. When you familiarize yourself with its storied culture, you’ll be able to enjoy its benefits and storied culture that much more.

If you’re looking to learn more about the history of yerba mate, such as where mate comes from, how it’s produced, and what it’s come to symbolize in popular culture, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll walk you through yerba mate’s history and cover the following topics:

• The evolution of yerba mate production from past to present

• How yerba mate is sourced

• What mate tea symbolizes

• What the ritual of sipping yerba mate is and how to practice it

• The historical origins of yerba mate and the people who cultivated it

• How mate can be incorporated into daily life with friends and family

• Yerba mate culture in the 21st century

• Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about yerba mate’s history

How yerba mate began (production and history)

To begin our understanding of how yerba mate made its debut into modern-day life, we need to look at how it was first produced, as well as the language we use to describe it.

“Yerba mate,” meaning “herbs from the calabash”, comes from two languages:

1. Spanish

2. Ketchua

The first people to begin producing yerba mate were the indigenous Guaraní people of South America. The Guaraní people brewed the leaves in small vessels made of dried calabash fruit.

In the 16th century, Jesuit priests came to South America, where they quickly recognized the advantages of yerba mate. In the mid 1600’s, they began to cultivate and trade the leaves of the Paraguayan holly, a leaf that traces its origins to today’s popular yerba mate drink.

When the Jesuit order dissolved in the 18th century, many plantations were destroyed, and the art of cultivating the yerba mate plant didn’t resurface until the 20th century.

Nevertheless, mate comes from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis holly tree that’s native to South America. Many indigenous peoples of South America encountered yerba mate long before the Guaraní or the Jesuit priests made it popular.

Quick tip: For an in-depth read on the people who cultivated the Ilex paraguariensis plant and shaped today’s modern-day techniques for cultivating yerba mate, feel free to read our article about the origins of the many regions of people in South America who made a profound impact on today’s yerba mate scene.

Sourcing yerba mate

Yerba mate is sourced and cultivated in its native home in forests in South America, particularly in the following countries:

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Paraguay

• Uruguay

• Bolivia

• Chile

The leaves and branches from yerba mate trees are harvested by hand and then often dried at nearby facilities. After the yerba mate is sourced, we then have to break the branches down and begin the production process.

Breaking the production process down

Historically, the yerba mate we enjoy in our latest infusions of drink can be explained through the following step-by-step production method:

1. Harvesting: Harvesters lay nylon tarps on the ground to collect branches. Special care is taken to ensure the tree can regrow, keeping the forest intact.

2. Sapeco: Sapeco is when leaves are passed rapidly over a flame to remove excess water and gases. The branches are briefly exposed to a high-heat flame for a fraction of a second. This "flash-heating" process breaks down the leaf’s protective enzymes, preventing oxidation and preserving yerba mate’s bright green color and nutritional value.

3. Drying and aging process: The leaves are dehydrated and often aged to develop a smooth, complex flavor profile.

4. The blend: Finally, the leaves are milled, sifted, and custom-blended to create specific flavor profiles, whether it’s a bold traditional loose-leaf or a light, refreshing sparkling infusion drink.

What does mate tea symbolize?

History and production aside, the sharing of yerba mate has taken on renewed cultural significance. Sipping the ilex paraguariensis herb (called yerba) with a metal straw (called bombilla) from a hollowed-out gourd (called mate) has become a symbol of friendship.

The yerba mate gourd is shared amongst friends and family, while everyone tells stories, talks, and chats about life. While people used to pass the yerba mate gourds around in a circle because people were sitting around a fire in a circle to keep warm, modern-day living no longer requires us to tend to a fire to enjoy the health and social benefits of yerba mate.

Nevertheless, what remains from our ancient fire-side yerba mate traditions are bombillas, gourds, yerba mate, and most importantly, a sense of connection and community. Yerba mate has, therefore, emerged as a popular symbol for friendship, community-building, and storytelling.

How to practice the ritual of sipping yerba mate

Now that you know the history of the plant and how it is cultivated, if you’re looking to sip yerba mate the way the indigenous people of South America historically did, you’ll need the following items:

• Loose-leaf yerba mate

• A gourd or jar

• Hot and cold water

• A bombilla or metal straw

Similar to a cup of black or green tea, fill your gourd about two-thirds full with yerba. Next, tilt it so the leaves stack on one side of the cup. Then, pour a splash of cool water first to bring out and activate the nutrient-rich yerba leaves. After, pour hot water, around 170°F, and avoid stirring the straw. Finally, sip, smile, and enjoy!🙂 

Who consumes mate today

Yerba mate is sipped by young and old. Thanks to modern-day production and the world’s global shipping network, mate can be found in every corner of the world.

This delicious tea can now be found in grocery stores, convenience stores, and your local supermarket. Whether loose-leaf from a gourd or in a healthy energy drink, yerba mate is making waves across the world.

In fact, research shows that most people drink it as a source of energy, to socialize, and because, well, it’s fun! All different types of products now contain yerba mate, making it more accessible than ever.

A mate moment with our friends

Our friend, Harry Portnof of Greenway Records, recently discovered Ola mate, and we couldn’t be more excited. If you’re looking for a modern-day twist on the timeless tradition of drinking yerba mate, check out what Harry has to say about his experience with canned Ola yerba mate. 👈🏼🍹

Yerba mate in South America and modern-day life

From the Guaraní people of the 17th and 18th centuries to the modern-day business owners of the 21st century, yerba mate culture is thriving.

From nighttime campfires to bodegas to supermarket grocery stores, yerba mate can be found on every continent (except maybe Antarctica🥶; give it time).

If you’re looking for a smooth introduction without the time it takes to cultivate the yerba mate plant, why not give our canned sparkling yerba mate beverage a try?

Our Ola Mate sparkling yerba mate beverages are perfect for those on the go who need a quick, steady energy. Our sparkling tea comes in three delicious flavors: Raspberry Bliss, Berry Coconut Lavender, and Grapefruit Ginger.

Best of all, they’re packed with plenty of antioxidants and nutrients, making them a healthy beverage.💪🏼

Curious to try it? Browse our entire collection of ready-to-drink sparkling yerba mate beverages, and discover the magic of mate.✨

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about yerba mate’s history

1. Who drinks yerba mate today?

Yerba mate is consumed by millions of individuals, mostly in South America. The countries that consume the most yerba mate include:

• Argentina

• Uruguay

• Paraguay

• Brazil

• A handful of countries in the Middle Eastern region of the world

In South America, many people drink yerba mate as North American and European countries drink coffee.

2. Where does yerba mate come from?

Traditionally, yerba mate hails from the central and southern regions of South America, particularly a place called the Atlantic Forest. Yerba mate was historically consumed and made popular by the Guaraní and indigenous Kaingang peoples of South America.

3. How did yerba mate spread to other countries?

Surprisingly, yerba mate comes from subtropical Atlantic forests, where it spread to many countries in South America.

The distinct flavor of yerba mate can now be found in grocery stores and local markets. As a result, now, people drink mate around the world.

4. How is yerba mate consumed today?

Yerba mate is consumed in various forms today, including:

• In a traditional gourd and metal straw, called mate and bombilla, respectively.

• Functional beverages

• Cold brew beverages

• Tea bags

• Bottled iced teas

• Ready-to-drink cans

• Capsules and extracts

5. Where can I get ready-to-drink yerba mate beverages?

Your local grocery store, holistic foods store, and online retailer sell ready-to-drink yerba mate. For example, you can locate a store near you to find Ola Mate yerba mate sparkling tea.

Similarly, you can always check your favorite grocery store or beverage provider, and contact them about the best places to find ready-to-drink yerba mate beverages in your local area.