Yerba mate is made from processed leaves of yerba mate.
These leaves originally grow in subtropical South America area (mainly in Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Uruguay and in some parts of Brazil and Chile). Originally used only by native peoples, yerba mate is widely consumed nowadays.
Argentina is the largest producer of yerba mate, most of this production is consumed locally, and the rest is exported, being Syria one of the biggest buyers.
The leaves are dried, cut and ground forming a mixture called “yerba”.
Among other several health benefits, drinking mate serves as stimulant (it contains caffeine, commonly called mateine). It is also a digestive drink, also contains a high level of antioxidants.
