Yerba Mate

Yerba maté (Ilex Paraguariensis) is a native herb from South America, where it has been consumed for many centuries, becoming more popular than coffee. It grows naturally in the rainforests of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The Spanish conquerors, having noticed that the native Indians who drank this herb were healthy, energetic and enjoyed a positive predisposition, decided to adopt it. Two centuries later, maté became the preferred beverage of the workers (gauchos) as well as of the wealthy landowners. Currently is also used by students to aid focus and energy. It is also consumed as a appetite suppressor and is consider a natural stimulant that promotes a pleasant state of alertness, and stimulates body cleansing. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

For the production of Yerba mate, either the leaves alone (Yerba “sin palo”, without sticks) or the leaves and the stems (Yerba “con palo”, with sticks) are used.