Yerba mate is an evergreen tree that grows in the subtropical region of South America, mainly in Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. It grows up to 8 meters tall in the wild, but has been known to grow as high as 18 meters. The plant needs a minimum annual rainfall of around 1000 mm for successful growth. It grows best in sandy, fine-grained soils with good drainage. The ideal temperature is mild. It can be grown successfully indoors in pots with well-drained soil, bright light and medium to high humidity.
The tea contains caffeine and also theobromine and theophylline, which act as vasodilators to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. This provides long-lasting energy while helping you relax at the same time. The traditional ritual of drinking the beverage from a gourd symbolizes hospitality. It also gives an euphoric feeling similar to eating chocolate.
The tea promotes healthy digestion by increasing secretion of stomach acids and bile to soften stool and stimulate regular bowel movements. The amount of caffeine varies by brand. An avid drinker may consume 1-2 liters per day.
When growing the plant, the leaves are best when grown in the shade, as they become more flavorful and nutrient-rich. The leaves are harvested every other year in the wild, and once per winter in a controlled environment where they grow more quickly. Compared to coffee and green tea, the drink has some differences despite all containing caffeine.
There are variations depending on how it is harvested, processed and aged. Brands in America mostly come from Argentina, which is the second largest producer in the world. Argentinian product is a good option for beginners to try first.
The plant is native to South America. It grows in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The plant can reach heights up to 15 meters tall. Its leaves are harvested by hand. They are then dried over fire and ground into a fine powder or cut into small pieces for brewing. The best tasting product comes from leaves grown in the shade rather than direct sun. Its leaves grow quickly so they can be harvested each winter in controlled environments.
Yerba mate grows in regions with a subtropical climate, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. These regions have temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius and significant rainfall throughout the year. The plant takes around 3 to 4 years to reach maturity. The harvesting process involves carefully cutting the branches and drying them.
The indigenous Guaraní and some Tupi communities first cultivated and consumed the beverage. After the Jesuits discovered its commercialization potential, it became widespread. In the same way people meet for tea or coffee, friends often gather and drink mate in Paraguay, Argentina, Southern Brazil, and Uruguay.
Ilex paraguariensis is a tree that grows in southern countries of South America, mainly Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. The yerba mate tree has leaves that are evergreen. The tree has a variety of uses and their leaves are naturally caffeinated, traditionally infused in a calabash using the bombilla and by adding hot water.
The leaves and twigs are dried, typically over a fire, and steeped in hot water to make an herbal tea. The drink may be served cold or hot. Like black tea, it contains caffeine, which is a stimulant.
The Ilex Paraguariensis plant is mainly grown in the humid subtropical region of Argentina, in the provinces of Misiones and Corrientes, where there is an average temperature of 21°C. These plants also need the red soils found in these regions, which provide the appropriate minerals and acid level. The dry seeds are sown between March and April. The plant can have a productive life of up to 100 years.
In this way, can you grow the plant? It is grown mainly in the countries of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina in the subtropical regions. It grows in sandy fine-grained soils with good drainage. For people who live in areas without these conditions, it is grown as an indoor plant.
Yerba mate trees grown in the wild can grow to over eight meters tall, but they’ve been known to grow even taller. Their leaves are oval-shaped and around five inches long. The height of your tree will depend on how much sunlight it receives.
Geographically, the trees are usually grown in Argentina, Southern Brazil, Uraguay, and Paraguay. The plant’s natural range includes an oval-shaped area that overlaps the northern tip of Argentina, southwestern Brazil, and southeastern Paraguay. At the geographical heart of this region where the three countries meet is the famous Falls of Iguazú.