Mate de Coca: A Traditional Peruvian Beverage

 

    Upon arriving in Peru, I started to notice the plentiful options for tea served during breakfast. In particular, one type stood out to me among the rest: mate de coca, a tea made from the coca plant that contains stimulant properties. Given the illegality of the coca plant in the United States because of its role in manufacturing cocaine, I was curious to know more about the history of the plant in Peru, especially since chewing coca leaves is also a commonplace practice in Peru. 

    After some conversations with locals and some quick research, I learned how the coca plant here is associated with medicinal properties, such as being a cure for altitude sickness. Furthermore, the coca plant is native to the Andes region, and the practice of chewing the leaves dates back thousands of years. Coca leaves also have a history of religious offerings. Even the Spanish word "coca" comes from the Quechua word "koka," indicating the pre-Hispanic significance. Currently, many Peruvian shops offer coca candy and coca leaf readings. Here, the coca plant is a commonality rather than a rarity.

    Given the extensive importance of the coca plant in Peru, is it any wonder why using the leaves is so socially and legally acceptable? On the other hand, this history is strongly lacking in the United States, making the coca plant illegal and synonymous with drug manufacturing. After reflecting on these realities, I was impressed by how a simple tea could open the door into such a complex cultural comparison.