yerba+maté

=**Yerba Maté**=

A species of holly native to subtropical South America in Argentinia, eastern Paraguay, western Uruguay, and southern Brazil. The yerba mate plant is a shrub.

Mate is prepared by steeping dry leaves and twigs in hot water, not boiling water. It is a slightly less potent stimulant than coffee and much gentler on the stomach.

The flavor of brewed yerba mate is strongly vegetal, herbal, and grassy, reminiscent of some varieties of green tea. Many consider the flavor to be very agreeable, but it is generally bitter if steeped in boiling water, so it is made using hot but not boiling water. Unlike most teas, it does not become bitter and astringent when steeped for extended periods, and the leaves may be infused several times. Additionally, one can purchase flavored mate in many varieties. (8)