South America, a continent brimming with cultural diversity and natural beauty, also has a fascinating tea culture worth exploring. Over the centuries, native peoples, colonists and immigrants have shaped tea culture, and it forms an important part of people's everyday life and identity, which we will talk about in this section.
Although the countries of South America do not focus on producing "finer" teas as in Asia, they still play an important role on the world tea scene.
Argentina is the country that stands at the forefront as the largest tea producer in South America and also ranks ninth in the world. When thinking of Argentina and Brazil, it is most common to associate them with the plant yerba maté and the drink of the same name . Yerba maté is traditionally enjoyed in a round cup using a metal straw, known as a bombilla. However, it must be emphasized that yerba maté is not a form of tea, but rather an herbal drink with its own unique character and tradition.
In addition to Argentina and Brazil, several other countries in South America also grow tea on a smaller scale. Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Colombia all contribute to local tea production. Although not major producers, these countries have their own varieties and preferences that reflect their unique climate and culture.
Chile is a country known for being a big consumer of tea, inspired by the English tea culture. Chileans enjoy their tea in stylish surroundings and are proud of their tea traditions.
Although South America is not known for producing the finest teas like in Asia, the region has its own tea history and traditions. It is a testament to the diversity of tea drinking around the world. Whether it's yerba maté in Argentina, traditional tea in Chile or the lesser-known tea variations in other countries, South America has its own charm and unique contribution to the global tea world.
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