What is mate?
Mate in Argentina is the container where the infusion is taken.
The most widely used is the “porongo” or pumpkin mate, the fruit of a plant (Lagenaria vulgaris). The origin of the word “mate” derives from the Quechua “Mati”, which means pumpkin.
Lagenaria vulgaris is the family of autochthonous gourds from the herbaceous zone, in addition to drinking mate, the Guarani used them to carry water during their long walks through the jungle and also to store grains.
The harvest is done manually and begins in April or May and runs until September. After harvest, the tree regenerates and produces more leaves (it is always green).
What is yerba mate?
Yerba mate (its scientific name is Ilex Paraguariensis) is a native tree of the Paranaense Forest.
In the wild, it reaches a height of between 12 and 16 meters. There are herbs up to 100 years old in some Jesuit reductions.
To facilitate harvesting, the plants are pruned up to 2 times a year to a height of 2 meters on average.
What are its properties?
Mate is a powerful antioxidant, a source of vitamins, minerals and also helps reduce bad cholesterol.
The main benefits of mate are:
Powerful antioxidant
The hot primed mate (the most popular form of consumption) contains 60% more antioxidants than green tea.
Yerba Mate infusions, mainly the traditional primed mate, have a great antioxidant power due to their high concentration of polyphenols.
Polyphenols improve the body’s natural defenses and protect it from cell damage.
Source of vitamins
Yerba Mate contains vitamins of group B.
The body needs 13 vitamins, 8 of them belong to group B, which are essential for body functions such as the production of energy and red blood cells.
Source of minerals
Yerba Mate contains potassium, an essential mineral necessary for the proper functioning of the heart; and magnesium, which helps the body incorporate protein.
Energizing effect
It contains xanthines (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline), they are bioactive compounds that stimulate the central nervous system and promote mental activity. They also increase energy levels and concentration.
During breakfast, at snacks, at home, at the office or at work; mate provides natural energy.