Kurupi: yerba mate with demonic mythology in the background
Have you ever wondered why some yerba mate brands have such intriguing names? Today, we delve into the world of one of the most recognisable yerba mate brands from Paraguay – Kurupi. Mate enthusiasts unanimously agree: this is one of the finest yerba mate options available on the market! Let’s uncover the secret of its exceptional taste and get to know the rather peculiar figure that inspired its creators. Ready for a journey into the mythology of the Guarani Indians and the aromatic world of yerba mate? Brace yourselves; it's going to be a wild ride!
Summary:
- From a dream to an empire: the extraordinary story of Kurupi
- Kurupi: god of fertility or guardian of yerba mate?
- Kurupi products: yerba mate for every occasion
From a dream to an empire: the extraordinary story of Kurupi
The story of yerba mate Kurupi is one of passion, determination, and a family business that captured the hearts of yerba mate lovers worldwide. It all began in 1960 with the establishment of a pharmacy in the Paraguayan town of San Juan Bautista by Dr. Oscar Esteban Benitez Raperri, also known as "Don Coco". Don Coco – a pharmacist by profession and an enthusiast of various herbs – developed herbal teas and natural remedies in his pharmacy, using plant-based ingredients. Decades later, in 1985, Dr. Benitez and his wife founded their own plantation of herbs and tea and initially a small, family-operated business named Santa Margarita S.A. Their first brand, Té Guaraní, offered tea bags that quickly became popular across Paraguay. Eventually, the couple's path crossed that of yerba mate – the true treasure of the Guarani Indians. Fascinated by its properties, they decided to expand their plantations, begin producing exceptional yerba mate, and breathe new life into this traditional Paraguayan drink. Their goal was to create a yerba mate that would not only be delicious, but also encapsulate the rich traditions and culture of Paraguay. And so, the brand Kurupi was born, rapidly gaining recognition among lovers of the holly leaf infusion.
Kurupi: god of fertility or guardian of yerba mate?
Kurupi is a character from Guarani mythology that certainly draws attention! He was one of the seven monstrous offspring of the evil deities Taú and Kerana. Picture a demon with the stature of a dwarf – ugly, hairy, humanoid, with rosy cheeks, very dark skin, and black, pupil-less eyes. He had pointed teeth, sharp ears, long, disheveled hair, and additionally… an extraordinarily long genitals that he could wrap around his waist like a belt! Yes, you read that correctly – Kurupi is no ordinary deity! To the right, you can see a “gentler” version of Kurupi, created by the yerba mate brand for promotional purposes on social media. However, in South America, one can still encounter figurines and statues of this mythical being, and they are far less friendly-looking!
In Guarani mythology – for obvious reasons – Kurupi was considered the god of fertility, but on the other hand, he also acted as the guardian of forests. He safeguarded the rich fauna and flora of the Amazon jungle. He was malicious towards hunters who excessively exploited the forests. He could mislead their trails, make them wander for hours, or even frighten them to the point of fleeing in panic, leaving all their equipment behind. Kurupi was also known for his mischievous nature and penchant for playing tricks, especially in matters of love. This gave him a dark, almost demonic reputation. He was blamed for unexpected and unwanted pregnancies, as well as for abducting young women, whom he supposedly took to the jungle to perform his magical rituals. Legend has it that Kurupi often visited women at night, and the children born of these encounters allegedly possessed extraordinary abilities. Imagine the astonishment of husbands when their offspring suddenly began displaying supernatural powers! Today, Kurupi's tales are treated as myths and curiosities, designed to warn young women of potential dangers.
And how does this whimsical character relate to Paraguayan yerba mate? The choice of the name Kurupi for the brand was no accident. Kurupi, as a forest guardian, symbolises the natural richness and potency of the herbs found in every Kurupi yerba mate blend. Just as the mythical Kurupi surprised with his antics, Kurupi yerba mate surprises its consumers with a wealth of flavours and aromas. Worth mentioning is also the "bold" flavour of the brand's products. Could this be a nod to Kurupi's mischievous nature? Mate produced by Santa Margarita, typical of Paraguayan mate tea, is intense and distinctive. It works wonderfully as icy tereré, while in its hot version, it can awaken even the most demanding taste buds! The Kurupi brand skilfully utilises this mythological legacy, creating products that not only taste fantastic but also carry a captivating story. Another subtle yet significant nod to history and tradition can be seen on the packaging, featuring a graphic inspired by an 18th-century engraving showing indigenous people harvesting Ilex paraguarinsis leaves and drying the twigs in the traditional manner. Every sip of Kurupi yerba mate is not just an energy boost, but also a journey into the rich Guarani culture!
Kurupi products: yerba mate for every occasion
The Kurupi brand is a true treasure trove of flavours and aromas. Each product tells a unique story, offers a distinct experience, and has its own unique character. It’s time for a little tour of the world of Kurupi. Fasten your seat belts; it's going to be a tasty ride!
Let’s start with two classic options: Kurupi Tradicional and Clásica. Both products are 100% yerba mate, featuring an intense, smoky flavour that comes from the traditional process of drying leaves over an open fire. They differ in the ratio of leaves to twigs in the packaging and the duration of the ageing process. You could say that the longer-aged Kurupi Tradicional is the “premium” version. Besides the classics, the brand also offers several original herbal blends. It’s worth noting that Kurupi was the first Paraguayan brand to introduce herbal-infused yerba mate to the market. While the idea of adding herbs, known as yuyos, to a gourd filled with yerba mate had been known and practised for centuries, no one had thought of combining yerba mate with other plant-based additives during the production phase. These precisely crafted blends of yerba mate and herbal ingredients are a hallmark of the brand, rooted in its founder’s passion for exploring the fascinating properties of plants. What can we find in this herbal yerba mate lineup from the Paraguayan brand? Kurupi Katuava, infused with a plant renowned in South America for its energising properties for both mind and body – adding vigour and vitality! The intensely minty Kurupi Menta Boldo evokes the refreshing breeze of the forest under the mythical deity's protection. Kurupi Fitness, with its aromatic blend of ingredients, including boldo, horsetail, fennel, and orange peel, acts as a personal trainer in your mate gourd – motivating, energising, and aiding in achieving your fitness goals! Kurupi Katuava and Kurupi Menta Boldo are breaking records in popularity among mate enthusiasts and brand fans, but the offer includes several other intriguing options, such as Kurupi Anís, with a hint of intriguing, spicy anise; the warming and highly original Kurupi Jengibre Menta y Té Verde, with ginger, mint, and green tea; and Kurupi Cedrón Kapi'i y Menta, featuring the relaxing and calming lemon verbena. Each of these blends offers a unique journey through flavours and aromas. It’s this diversity that makes Kurupi yerba mate so enthusiastically reviewed – there’s truly something for everyone here!
Well then, dear adventurers, we’ve reached the end of our fascinating journey. Have we managed to convince you to try Kurupi yerba mate? This is a brand that truly stands out from the rest thanks to its authenticity, variety, and high quality. Let yourself be enchanted by its magic! Whether you choose the energising Kurupi Fitness for your morning yoga session or relax in the afternoon with Kurupi Cedrón – every choice is a good one. But be warned: Kurupi is a bold yerba mate, just like the demonic figure from Guarani legends. Its intense, bitter taste might be challenging at first, but it’s a true treasure worth discovering!
Sources of information:
- Wikipedia: Mate (infusión), Kurupí.
- santamargarita.com.py.
- La Leyenda del Curupí, regionlitoral.net.
