300071 Sat Apr 02 02:55:28 -0800 2005 4 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1665634 I was recently introduced to this herbal drink, yerba mate, at a South American restaurant in SoCal. It was dark in color and more viscous than your average tea. Although I was told the taste is acquired, I was immediately drawn to its slightly bitter, licorice-like flavor. It reminded me of a Vietnamese black jello dessert I grew up with. Although everyone else at my table who took a sip disliked it, I couldn't put my cup down. I was really enjoying it! I'm curious to learn more about this popular South American beverage. A quick google led me to the linked website. What can hounds tell me about this drink? Assume it's good for me, no? What commercial brand do you recommend and any tips for preparing at home? Thanks. Link: http://www.yerba-mate.com/ Sat Apr 02 02:55:28 -0800 2005 0 Carb Lover 1 1665655 I don't know about other South American countries but yerba mate is a popular tea in Argentina. It is drunk with "mate y bombilla". The traditional mate is a cup made from a hollowed and dried gourd. The bombilla is a metal straw with a strainer on the bottom end---elegant ones are made of silver. There is a folkloric belief that if once you drink mate, you will always return to Argentina. You should be able to find a selection of yerba mate brands anywhere that Argentine products are sold, or you might look online by googling Yerba Mate. Sun Apr 03 22:25:05 -0700 2005 1665634 0 N Tocus 1 1665661 I used to get Mate at Empanadas Place but most recently at El Camaguey on Venice Blvd. in Culver City. The also have the gourd cups and bombillas. Mon Apr 04 00:38:16 -0700 2005 1665634 0 Just Larry 1 1665672 Che, you might also look into the Cuban soda pop, Materva. Mon Apr 04 10:33:11 -0700 2005 1665634 0 JeffB 1 1665771 Try your neighborhood Trader Joes, they usually carry it Tue Apr 05 18:27:20 -0700 2005 1665634 0 seo