Top 10 Things to Know About Argentine Mate Culture

Moving the metal straw is considered an insult and ruins the yerba's structure.

Saying thank you when returning the mate signals you've had enough — otherwise it keeps coming.

Misiones and Corrientes provinces produce nearly all of Argentina's yerba mate.

Purists drink mate amargo (bitter), while others add sugar — sparking an eternal debate.

Cold mate brewed with ice water and sometimes juice, popular in northeastern Argentina's heat.

Gourds range from traditional calabash to hand-carved wood and modern ceramic or silicone.

The ideal water is around 75-80C — boiling water burns the yerba and ruins the flavor.

Argentines bring their mate kit to the office, with electric kettles on every desk.

Argentina celebrates its favorite beverage with a national holiday honoring its cultural importance.

Moving the metal straw is considered an insult and ruins the yerba's structure.

Saying thank you when returning the mate signals you've had enough — otherwise it keeps coming.

Misiones and Corrientes provinces produce nearly all of Argentina's yerba mate.

Purists drink mate amargo (bitter), while others add sugar — sparking an eternal debate.

Cold mate brewed with ice water and sometimes juice, popular in northeastern Argentina's heat.

Gourds range from traditional calabash to hand-carved wood and modern ceramic or silicone.

The ideal water is around 75-80C — boiling water burns the yerba and ruins the flavor.

Argentines bring their mate kit to the office, with electric kettles on every desk.

Argentina celebrates its favorite beverage with a national holiday honoring its cultural importance.