The best mate starts with the best mates and then comes the fire. So we started a traditional mate ritual on the streets of Berlin. After loading off 800kg of fresh Mate we gathered around the fire for my first traditional mate sharing ritual. Since we’re trying out the new harvest, a basic kettle is not appropriate. This mate is sown only by birds, harvested, hand dried and pounded without the use electricity.

Even in its origin countries of Brasil and Argentina this tradition is now highly rare. Mass-manufactured industrial Mate is still prevalent, even here in Berlin, but sadly the indigenous method is almost extinct. It’s an honour to have had the opportunity to partake in it.