Yerba mate is a native tree of the Paranaense Forest, from whose leaves and branches an infusion is obtained and is drunk in several regions of South America. Its scientific name in Latin is <em>Ilex Paraguariensis</em>.
These plants are previously cut, dried and milled in order to be ready for its preparation with hot water. This beverage has a bitter taste and has a stimulating effect due to the caffeine it contains.
Traditionally, this infusion is drunk hot by means of a sorbet called bombilla placed in a small container, which is called mate, although in other regions it is called cuia, porongo or guampa.
