In this completely spontaneous episode, we take you through an off-the-cuff history of yerba mate. 

We discuss yerba mate's indigenous beginnings with the Guaraní, the cultivation of yerba mate with the Jesuits, and the Paraguayan war. Then, we discuss the rise of the gaucho (and its significance to the founding of Argentina), the adoption of yerba mate as part of criollo culture, and how indigenous words became a part of Argentine slang. 

You also can't learn about yerba mate's history without getting to know a good bit about the history of Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay as countries themselves. We sure had fun making this episode and hope you enjoy it!

Gracias y gracias!

- Casey, Ryan, and David