Ilex Paraguariensis: The mate plant

Ilex Paraguariensis is the scientific name for the mate plant , a healthy energy drink widely consumed in South America.

Ilex Paraguariensis: Description of the mate plant

• Type: Shrub / Small tree (4 to 20m)
• Genus (botanical classification): Ilex
• Family (botanical classification): Aquifoliaceae
• Origin: South America
• Different names: Mate, Jesuit Tea, Paraguay Tea, Indian Tea, Yerba Mate, St. Bartholomew Tea

Learn more: Everything you need to know about mate

Cultivating Ilex Paraguariensis: How does the mate plant grow?

• Production region: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay
• Harvest period:
• Main harvest: May to October
• Secondary harvest: Rest of the year
• Harvest frequency:
• Once a year (standard)
• Once every two years or more (high-end mate)

Learn more: How is mate produced?

Is it possible to grow mate in France?

Yes, it is possible to grow mate on a very small scale in France through seed or cuttings. If you are interested in growing mate plants, Ilex paraguariensis seeds can be purchased from specialist websites.

But while very small productions are possible, no significant production exists outside the area of origin of the mate:

• Northern Argentina (Posadas and Misiones regions)
• Southern Brazil (Santa Catarina, Paraná )
• Eastern Paraguay

This region combines all the conditions necessary for the proper development of ilex paraguariensis (humidity, temperature, soil, sunshine, altitude, etc.).

Attempts at large-scale production of yerba mate have been made by tea producers in Asia (India, China, Japan). But they have all ended in failure.

Properties of Ilex Paraguariensis: The virtues of mate

The third most consumed caffeinated drink in the world, mate is a drink known for its many benefits:

• Healthy Energy Drink: The energy of coffee, without the crash.
• A wealth of antioxidants: More than 90% more antioxidants than green tea.
• A natural fat-burning drink
• Rich in vitamins and minerals

Learn more: What are the benefits of mate?

Consumption of Ilex Paraguariensis: How to drink mate?

Traditional consumption of mate is a real ritual. It is prepared using a small cup ( mate gourd ) and a filter straw .

Here is a video tutorial:

But traditional preparation is not a requirement. Mate can be prepared in several ways:

• Mate Cocktail Recipes
• Tereré: Iced mate made in Paraguay
• Preparing mate without a calabash

Ilex Paraguariensis: Discover mate

Want to discover this drink? Discover mate with our various mate discovery kits .