Argentine Mate Culture
Mate is part of everyday life in Argentina, at home, at work and on the road. Here is what makes it special.
A shared ritual
One person, the cebador, prepares the mate and serves it. The cup is passed around the group in turn, and the cebador refills it each time with hot water.
The cup and the bombilla
The mate is the cup, traditionally a dried gourd or a piece of wood. The bombilla is the metal straw with a filter that lets you drink the infusion without the yerba.
A little etiquette
Avoid stirring the bombilla, since it can clog the filter. Say thank you only when you want to stop: in Argentina, saying gracias tells the cebador you have had enough.
Mate around the world
Argentines carry the habit wherever they live, and a good mate is often the first thing they pack. That is why a handcrafted cup makes such a meaningful gift.
Looking for a mate with real Argentine character?
MATEAR Imperial Calabash Mate, Handcrafted, with Bronze Accents and Alpaca Base, Argentine Edition