Re: [TANGO-L] Off Topic / Favorite Yerba Mate ?

[Ed Loomis <TangoBear @pobox.com>]

On Fri, 21 Jan 2005 10:31:31 EST, Michael R-- <Mirosmiros   @AOL.COM> wrote:

>What's your Favorite brand of Yerba Mate?

Hi Michael,
     What's off topic? Tango is more than just a dance, it is also a cultural
experience, and getting a mate habit is one of the risks we take when we immerse
ourselves:)
     Of the brands that I can find reliably here in Sacramento, California, I
prefer "Rosamonte Especial" for it's rich flavor and consistency. My favorite,
however is hard to find. "La Merced" comes sealed in a foil bag inside a green
box and has the smoothest and nicest flavor that I have experienced so far. I
was able to get it locally long enough to get hooked on it and then it
disappeared. When I found a supply in a mercado on Riobamba near Corrientes I
shamelessly cleaned them out. Fortunately there was no problem bringing the
stuff back through customs.
     Oscar Mandagaran grew up in Missiones where much of the yerba mate is
produced. During one of his stays here he taught a workshop on the history,
customs, and lore of mate as well as how to prepare and share it. It was
fascinating. If you ever have Oscar in your town you might want to add this to
his itinerary. Ciao..................
Osito