Tereré facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Practices and traditional knowledge of Terere in the culture of Pohã Ñana |
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UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
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Traditional tereré of water and herbs
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| Country | Paraguay |
| Reference | 01603 |
| Region | Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2020 (17 session) |
| List | Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe |
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
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| Energy | 80 kcal (330 kJ) |
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Protein
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3 g
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| Vitamins | Quantity
%DV†
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| Vitamin C |
1%
1 mg |
| Minerals | Quantity
%DV†
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| Calcium |
66%
660 mg |
| Copper |
138%
2.75 mg |
| Iron |
363%
47.2 mg |
| Magnesium |
104%
370 mg |
| Phosphorus |
5%
34.4 mg |
| Potassium |
37%
1096 mg |
| Zinc |
100%
9.5 mg |
| †Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults. Source: ABC Color |
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Tereré is a special cold drink from Paraguay. It's made from yerba mate leaves, mixed with cold water, lots of ice, and often pohá ñaná (medicinal herbs). It's usually served in a slightly larger cup than its warm cousin, mate.
This refreshing drink has been around for a very long time, even before Europeans arrived in America. The Guaraní people, who are native to the region, call it ka'ay. In their language, ka'a means 'herb' and y means 'water'. There's also a version made with fruit juice, sometimes called "Juice tereré" or "Russian tereré".
On December 17, 2020, UNESCO recognized tereré from Paraguay as an important cultural treasure. This includes both the drink itself and the special ways people prepare it with medicinal herbs.
Tereré is similar to mate, which is also made from yerba mate. The big difference is that tereré is always served cold. This makes it perfect for the warmer parts of the southern tip of South America. It's a huge part of the culture in Paraguay. In recent years, it has also become popular in southern Brazil, eastern Bolivia, and Argentina. In these countries, the juice version of tereré is often more popular than the water version.
People often add different herbs to tereré. Some herbs are for a refreshing taste, while others are for their medicinal benefits. Common herbs include mint, ginger, and lemon balm. In Paraguay, you can even find places that sell special flavored ice made from herbs or fruits to add to your tereré.
Tereré has been declared the official drink of Paraguay. It's also seen as a national cultural heritage. Every year, on the last Saturday of February, people celebrate "National Tereré Day". The city of Itakyry has been the permanent home of the "Festival of Tereré" since 1998.
Contents
The Story of Tereré
Tereré was first enjoyed by the Guaraní people. Its use became more widespread during the time when the Guaraní lived with Jesuit missionaries. For hundreds of years, tereré has been a social drink, meaning people share it with friends and family.
People usually prepare a large jug of cold water and a special cup called a guampa. They also use a metal straw with a filter, called a bombilla. The guampa and bombilla are passed around, and everyone shares the drink. The areas where tereré is popular have very hot climates. This drink helps people stay cool and hydrated. It's also a special way to show friendship and trust among people.
Different Ways to Enjoy Tereré
Many people like to add herbs to their tereré. These can be herbs that make it taste good or ones that are good for your health. In northeastern Argentina, tereré is often made with water, medicinal herbs, and ice cubes. This is called tereré de agua. In southern Brazil, people often add citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange, or pineapple juice.
The way tereré is prepared can change depending on the region. For example, in the Formosa Province of Argentina and most of Paraguay, it's usually made with medicinal herbs. In southern Paraguay, people often use citrus juice. When fruit juices are mixed with tereré, it's commonly called tereré de jugo in northeastern Argentina. In Paraguay, it's often called tereré ruso (Russian tereré). This name came about because Slavic immigrants in these areas often prepared it with juice.
What are Guampas and Bombillas?
Guampas are the cups used for tereré. They can be made from different materials, like animal horns (often from cattle), stainless steel, wood, or even a type of gourd called mate porongo. Some metal guampas are covered with leather. New guampas, or ones that haven't been used in a while, need to be soaked in water before use. This helps a wooden piece at the bottom expand and prevents leaks.
A bombilla is a metal straw. It has a filter at one end that goes into the yerba mate. When you pour water into the guampa and sip through the bombilla, you get a clear, green liquid.
How to Prepare Tereré
To make tereré, you usually fill a guampa about two-thirds to three-quarters full with yerba mate. Then, you add ice cubes to water, which is often kept in a special vacuum flask to keep it cold. If you're adding herbs or juice, you mix them into the water at this point.
When you're ready to drink, you pour the cold water over the yerba mate in the guampa. You then sip the liquid through the bombilla. You can keep refilling the guampa with water as you drink.
Tereré Around the World
In Argentina, tereré is often made with citrus juice. More and more people across the country are drinking it, especially during the hot summer months. It's very popular among young adults.
Tereré is also a part of the daily meals for native groups in Argentina, like the Qom people. They often drink it with their traditional foods, like stews and special fried breads. Studies have shown that most Qom people drink tereré often throughout the day.
Because of the hot weather, tereré is popular in the central and northern parts of Brazil. It's often made with different fruit juices there. Even though coffee is still the most popular drink in Brazil, tereré is a refreshing choice.
Images for kids
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Tereré consumed from a guampa made of cattle horn with a silver bombilla.
See also
In Spanish: Tereré para niños
