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Description
Yerba mate comes from the naturally caffeinated leaves of a native species of holly tree, Ilex paraguariensis, found deep in the South American Atlantic rainforest. Yerba mate leaves are hand harvested by yerbateros (cultivators) from small farms and indigenous communities in Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. After the leaves are dried and ground, a gourd is filled with mate leaves and hot water. Then the yerba mate is ready to be savored — preferably with friends.