What does the word mate mean?
The term "mate" comes from the Spanish word "mate," which in turn is derived from the Quechua word "mati." The word "mati" originally referred to the calabash used to drink the plant's infusion. Mate refers to the drink prepared from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis shrub, widely consumed in South America.
In the beginning…
Mate is a traditional and iconic drink in South America, particularly in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil. Its history dates back to the region's indigenous peoples, who consumed the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis shrub centuries ago. The Guarani, in particular, played an important role in the spread and popularization of mate.
In the 19th century, mate cultivation expanded, with the creation of plantations and its export to other countries. Today, mate is consumed in a variety of ways, both hot and cold, and remains deeply rooted in the cultural and social traditions of South American countries. Mate is valued for its stimulating properties due to the presence of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. It is also considered beneficial for health, due to its antioxidants and nutrients. Its popularity has also spread to other parts of the world, where it is now consumed and appreciated for its unique taste and potential health benefits.
DID YOU KNOW? In many countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, mate is often shared within a group, where one person prepares and serves the drink using a gourd and a metal straw called a "bombilla." This ritual of sharing mate creates a strong social bond, encourages interaction, and symbolizes hospitality. It's common to see groups of friends, families, or even coworkers gather around a gourd of mate, strengthening bonds and conviviality.
Yerba mate culture
The main mate-producing regions are located in South America. Argentina is the world's largest producer of mate, followed by Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. These countries have favorable climatic conditions and extensive plantations for cultivating the Ilex paraguariensis shrub, which is used to produce mate leaves.
The process of planting , growing, and harvesting mate involves several steps. First, seeds or cuttings are used to establish mate plantations. The seeds are usually germinated in nurseries before being transplanted. Once the seedlings are ready, they are planted in specially prepared fields, often terraced to facilitate irrigation. Mate plants require partial shade, so they are usually grown under other, larger trees to benefit from filtered light.
Growing mate requires regular care, such as watering, pruning unwanted branches, and fertilizing. It usually takes three to four years for the plants to reach maturity enough for the first harvest.
Yerba mate is harvested by cutting the branches at a certain height above the ground. The leaves are then dried, traditionally over braziers, to remove moisture. After drying, the leaves are sorted and stored in bags or warehouses for aging and further preparation.
What do you know about mate in perfumery?
In perfumery, mate extraction reveals the essence of the dried leaves, subtly evoking the aroma of tea. However, intensive mate cultivation can cause considerable degradation in forest ecosystems. As a result, innovative initiatives are emerging to develop production methods that are more respectful of local wildlife in Latin America. Small regional businesses are actively involved in researching sustainable practices, such as integrating mate into fair trade.
It reveals a herbaceous scent that skillfully blends notes of hay, tobacco, and tea. Ultimately, mate offers a wide range of olfactory accords in perfumery. Here are some examples of common accords associated with mate:
• Refreshing citrus : Citrus notes such as lemon, bergamot or mandarin blend harmoniously with the herbal side of mate, creating an invigorating and energizing sensation.
• Tea Notes : Due to its similarity to tea, mate blends naturally with tea accords, whether green, black, or white. This creates balanced and soothing compositions.
• Woody accords : Woody notes, such as sandalwood, cedar, or vetiver, can add depth and character to mate, creating an earthy and warm blend.
• Spicy notes : Spices such as cardamom, pepper or cinnamon can bring a subtle warmth to the mate, creating spicy and seductive accords.
• Floral accord: Adding delicate floral notes such as rose, jasmine or neroli can bring a touch of femininity and elegance to mate.
In perfumery, the main species used is Ilex paraguariensis . This variety of mate is prized for its leaves rich in aromatic compounds, which bring a distinctive note to perfume compositions. The leaves of Ilex paraguariensis are often extracted with alcohol to obtain essential oils or extracts used in perfumery. The different parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems and buds, can be used to create unique olfactory accords. Although less common in perfumery, it can also be used to bring interesting nuances to certain perfume creations.
Good to know!
Mate has several health benefits. It provides a natural source of energy thanks to its caffeine content, promoting alertness and concentration. Rich in antioxidants (green mate), it protects cells from free radical damage. It can also stimulate digestion, speed up metabolism, and support weight loss. Mate contains essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet. However, its consumption should be moderate due to the caffeine content. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it regularly into your diet.
The legendary mate flavors
• Donna Rosa Verde by Valentino is an enchanting eau de parfum that celebrates the freshness of the rose. Its green and floral notes blend harmoniously to create an elegant and timeless fragrance, evoking natural beauty and refined femininity.
• Thé Cachemire by Christian Dior is a captivating eau de parfum that captures the luxurious essence of cashmere and the soothing softness of tea. Its delicate notes of black tea and white flowers create an elegant and comforting blend, evoking a feeling of warmth and sophistication.
• Mixed Emotions by Byredo : This fragrance explores the contrasts and ambivalent emotions associated with drinking mate. It captures the uplifting energy of mate with green and grassy notes, while providing depth and warmth with touches of leather and wood. The idea behind this eau de parfum is to represent the complex range of emotions one can experience while drinking mate, ranging from focus and mental clarity to mild anxiety or restlessness.
• Pleine Lune by Bastille : It is described as a woody oriental fragrance with warm and sensual notes. It blends ingredients such as sandalwood, vanilla, amber and leather accords, creating an olfactory composition that recalls the elegance and mystery of full moon nights.
• Chrome Intense by Azzaro is a powerful men's eau de parfum that embodies intensity and virility. Its fresh citrus notes blend harmoniously with spicy and woody accords, creating a captivating and seductive composition, perfect for the modern and confident man.
Our high-end perfume collection does not yet include any mate fragrances. However, we invite you to discover all our fragrances with our discovery box .
