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Coca mate (an infusion of coca leaves consumed in the Andes) and mate (an infusion of yerba mate) are two drinks that are often confused, although they are different. Explanations.
Mate
Mate is an infusion of a plant completely different from the coca leaf: yerba mate - scientifically named Ilex Paraguariensis .
The word "mate" ("mate" in Spanish) comes from the Quechua "mati" which means a small calabash, a container used to prepare the drink called maté.
Mate therefore refers to the infusion of yerba mate in a gourd (just like the photo above).
This caffeinated drink originating from Paraguay is very popular in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Brazil.
Coca mate / Coca leaf infusion
Coca mate (or coca tea) is an infusion of coca leaves particularly consumed in Bolivia , Peru , Ecuador and Colombia .
It is also consumed, to a lesser extent, in Chile and Argentina .
Coca mate has been consumed for centuries to combat altitude sickness and for its energizing properties . These effects can also be achieved by chewing coca leaves directly (a very common method of consumption).
Coca leaf
Note : Coca leaf, as its name suggests, can be used for the production of cocaine . For this reason, its possession is prohibited in many countries. However, its low concentration means it does not induce toxicity or addiction.
Some people think you can buy coca leaves on Amazon... But no, coca mate is banned in France.
In Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Bolivia, the word "mate" has a different meaning . It refers to any type of tea or infusion. Therefore, in these countries, "mate de coca" does not refer to a mate, but rather to an infusion of coca leaves.
Take advantage of the best mate discovery kits and discover this South American drink with energizing properties.
