Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguayensis) 50g

Description

Ilex paraguayensis is an evergreen shrub or tree from South America (Brazil). It is grown commercially in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Also called simply mate (pronounced Maa-Tay).

Mate is used as a stimulant and tonic and as an alternative to tea or coffee. The vessel used is called a bombilla and is basically a wooden cup made from certain timber. Any boiling will release tannins and make the tea astringent. It is more widely drunk in South America than either tea or coffee.

The active compound is caffeine, up to 2% of dry weight. Also present are theobromine, theophylline, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, triterpene saponins and an essential oil.

50g dried Yerba Mate (Grown to organic standards in Argentina)