Maté
Pagès has chosen Maté for the composition of several of its herbal infusions. Its strong traditional symbol and its beneficial properties make it an ideal component in our herbal teas.
Maté, a shrub with many traditions.
Origins of maté
Maté is a shrub that originates in South America: Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil. It is said that the "Guarani" people are the first to have used the Maté. The Guarani members used it to drive away fatigue, to foster good mood but also as a basis for medicine.
In South America, Maté has always been a traditional tonic drink, already appreciated by the Indians and favoured by the Jesuit missionaries. It is ritually drunk through a straw, the bombilla, immersed in the liquid contained in a calabash, which is called "mathi" in Quechua, hence the name of the plant.
In Europe, Maté only appeared in the 16th century. It was the stories of Spanish travellers and explorers that made the shrub known. In their texts, they mentioned the success of Maté in South America and the daily use made of it by the Indian people. Intrigued by the plant's almost miraculous virtues, the Spanish people gradually adopted the plant.
Nowadays, Maté is synonymous with rest, it is a companion for moments of conviviality and relaxation. Although it has been adopted by many civilizations around the world, Maté is clearly rooted in its South American history. Indeed, in Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil, each guest is offered a Maté. It represents hospitality, friendship, sharing and good mood.
Characteristics of maté
Name: Ilex paraguariensis
Family: Aquifoliaceae
Species: Shrub
Maté is a shrub native to Paraguay, northern Argentina and southern Brazil. It is a plant with many vernacular names: "Yerba maté", "Paraguay tea", " Jesuits' tea ", etc.
Green Maté consists of heat-dried and broken leaves. It contains caffeine. Maté leaves are often roasted, which causes the appearance of various compounds that enhance the flavour of the Maté.
Uses of maté
Maté is a shrub that is mainly used to make beneficial drinks. It can be consumed cold or hot, depending on preferences. It is traditionally drunk in a calabash, using a metal tube which also serves as a filter, it is commonly called the "bombilla".
The most common method of preparing this drink is to place the Maté herb in the calabash, the container and pour very hot but not boiling water over it. It is necessary to have half Maté herb and half water to be sure to prepare this drink correctly. The contents of the calabash are then usually mixed and the herb is placed on the same side of the calabash. The filter straw is then placed in the container, taking care not to direct it towards the Maté herbs, which would block the straw pipe. The tasting can then begin.
Benefits of maté
Maté has a well-known stimulating effect. It is similar to that of Tea or Coffee. Maté infusion is also known to be diuretic.
The plant is said to be capable of treating headaches, physical or mental fatigue. Maté is, like Green Tea, renowned for its tonic and slimming properties. Medicines prepared from Maté are used in some diets. This plant is found in "Figure" or "Detox" type products. However, Maté is only a slimming ally, it does not replace a diet or a regular sporting activity to stay in shape and avoid overweight.
