El Mate is an independent, educational resource about yerba mate — the traditional South American drink and social ritual. The site was created to help English-speaking readers who are curious about yerba mate but unfamiliar with its history, preparation, and culture.
Here you’ll find guides to the different types of mate gourds and bombillas, step-by-step instructions on how to prepare mate the traditional way, health research, and the cultural stories behind the drink — from its roots in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay to its surprising popularity in places like Syria, and the growing community of mate drinkers around the world, from footballers to Hollywood actors.
El Mate is run independently by a mate enthusiast based in Argentina, drawing on both firsthand experience and research from credible sources — including scientific studies, journalism, and official cultural institutions.
Have a question, correction, or suggestion? Get in touch through our contact page.
