Mate tea, or yerba mate, is a traditional South American infusion made from the leaves of the llex paraguariensis plant, a relative of the holly bush, that is especially popular in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil.

Leaves are picked from bushes that are at least tour years old and quickly dried. Known for its strong, earthy flavour and stimulating effects due to its caffeine content, it is often shared in a communal setting, symbolising hospitality and social connection. Mate also contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, contributing to its health benefits.

How to serve

Traditionally, mate tea is enjoyed in a semi-ceremonial circle, where it is drunk from a hollowed-out gourd using a shared metal straw called a bombilla. Feel free to substitute the gourd for an English teapot and infuse with water no hotter than 80°C.

Where to buy

Yerba Mate Kraus Organic Pure Leat is £6.50 for 500g from www. urushop.co.uk-or try your local health-food shop.

Jonathon Jones discovers teas from around the world, finds new flavours and cultivation techniques, and takes English tea to Asia.