Yerba Mate 102: Rich Roots

Yerba Mate 102: Rich Roots

Highlights

  • Yerba mate's origins date back hundreds of years and are heavily rooted in the culture of indigenous South American tribes.
  • Indigenous trade, the rise of European exploration, immigration and emigration helped spread yerba mate around the world.
  • The Yerba Mate Lemon-Mint Trailblazer from Topography is a light, modern twist on the South American beverage.

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In our last post, Yerba Mate 101, we explained what yerba mate is: a delicious infusion with a caffeinated kick and rich, earthy flavor. This South American staple, while hugely popular today, has deep historical roots dating back centuries. Before we track its rise as an internationally sought-after flavor (one you can find in our Yerba Mate Lemon-Mint Trailblazer), let’s dive into yerba mate’s past and examine its cultural beginnings.

Legendary Origins

Yerba mate’s roots can be traced to indigenous South American tribes from present-day Argentina, Paraguay and Southern Brazil. It’s difficult to pin down exactly when the yerba mate shrub was first used to create the drink of the same name, but research suggests its origins are tied to the Guaraní and Kaingang tribes. The Guaraní tribe in particular held a legendary origin for mate, passing down stories of how it was gifted to humanity by the moon herself, who was named Yari in their tradition.

In this legend, the sun would tell Yari stories about the jungle and all of its wonders. The moon couldn’t drink in this splendor through the dark veil of night, so one day, she descended to earth as a woman. While exploring the beauty she had heard about from the sun, she was attacked by a jaguar. Luckily for her, she was saved by the Guaraní people. In return, Yari bestowed them the gift of mate to show her gratitude.

With such a wondrous origin myth, it’s no wonder mate became an integral part of Guaraní culture. It was (and still is) enjoyed as a shared beverage. The leaves of the yerba mate shrub were also chewed by the Guaraní people to boost their energy on long walks, though this practice is less common today.

The Spread of Mate

The popularity of mate wasn’t limited to the Guaraní tribe. Starting in the early 1500s, the tribe used it as a form of currency to trade with the Incas and other nearby cultures.

With the rise of colonization (booooo) by Spain in the 1600s, the shrub’s influence spread even farther. Though the European elite initially shunned yerba mate, they eventually embraced it to help smooth relations with the native people. Jesuit missionaries began cultivating it toward the end of the 17th century, as they saw mate as a good substitute for the vice of alcohol, which we can’t argue with.

Yerba mate’s influence widened in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Syrian immigrants brought their love of the drink back to their home country. In fact, Syria is the largest importer of yerba mate today. The drink’s popularity continues to rise in other countries, including the US.

Wanna see what all the buzz is about? Find a Yerba Mate Lemon-Mint Trailblazer near you.

Stay tuned for Yerba Mate 103, where we’ll explore the drink’s popularity in modern culture!

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Author: Josh Garcia


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