Yerba Mate Day — A Taste of South America

What Is Yerba Mate Day?

September 1st is "Yerba Mate Day" in Japan. It was established by the Japan Mate Tea Association, which promotes the beverage domestically, in honor of the harvest festival held every year on September 1st in Argentina, the leading producer of yerba mate. The day is also certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association.

What Exactly Is Mate Tea?

Mate tea is brewed by pouring hot or cold water over the dried leaves and twigs of yerba mate, a plant native to South America. It's a daily staple in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and other South American countries, and is sometimes counted among the "three great beverages of the world" alongside black tea and coffee.

• How it's drunk: traditionally sipped through a metal straw called a "bombilla," straight from a shared gourd along with the leaves
• Nutrition: contains iron, vitamins, minerals, and calcium — often nicknamed "the drinkable salad"
• Culture: in South America, passing a single gourd among friends is a cherished social ritual and symbol of connection

Mate Tea's Ties to Japan

Mate tea long remained little known in Japan. In the 1970s, pro wrestler Antonio Inoki reportedly tried to market it as "Anton Mate Tea" without lasting success, and it gradually became better known after Coca-Cola Japan launched a bottled mate tea drink in 2012. The Japan Mate Tea Association works to spread awareness of this South American beverage and help it take root at Japanese tables.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Brew a cup of mate tea and compare it side by side with your usual tea or coffee
• Try the traditional South American style of drinking with a bombilla straw
• Learn more about Argentine and South American culture and cuisine
• Experiment with mate-tea-infused drinks or sweets

One Cup, Carrying the Wind of a Distant Continent

Sipping a cup of mate tea while picturing Argentina's harvest festival on the other side of the globe offers a slightly different experience than your everyday drink. Let September 1st be a small invitation to connect with the rich nature and culture of South America.