Roasted Mate (Argentina)

The origin of the Matte drinking tradition is lost in the shroud of history, but survives today in small South American villages and modern Brazilian high rises. It’s customary for groups of friends to sip Matte through a straw from a single gourd. The host places two teaspoons of leaf into the gourd and fills it with hot water. When cooled, he or she will drink the entire contents of the gourd and fill again with more water, passing it to the others at the table to sip. The first steep is the most bitter; the host takes this as a courtesy. The gourd is filled each time emptied until the Matte leaf looses its flavor. Legends abound of the effects this ceremony produces. Sharing a gourd strengthens friendship, unifies the collective spirit, strengthens the body and is considered by some to be a powerful stimulant and aphrodisiac. The owners of Indonique agree. Put some water on the boil, fill the gourd and work those phones.