- Joel Muñoz
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
Production of yerba mate
Yerba mate production begins in specialized nurseries, where young plants grow until they are transplanted into the field. After harvesting, the leaves are dried by sapecado (drying) to prevent oxidation. The yerba mate is then aged and ground, resulting in different varieties. This meticulous process guarantees a high-quality yerba with a unique and long-lasting flavor.
Enjoy the full article with a Taragüi mate in hand.
At Las Marías, the high quality of yerba mate is guaranteed at every stage of its production, from obtaining the raw material to its consumption.
Stage 1: The nursery
After selecting the best specimens to ensure quality, millions of young plants are grown in the nursery.
Stage 2: Planting
After six months, the young plants are taken to the field where they are carefully cared for to ensure they grow healthily, vitally, and to the highest quality.
Stage 3: Harvest
The yerba mate harvest is a combination of tradition and technology. The leaves are harvested only at the right time, when they are ripe, to ensure the highest quality yerba mate.
Stage 4 and 5: Sapecado and Drying
The leaves are exposed directly to the heat of the fire to slow the fermentation and oxidation processes. They are then exposed to a temperature of 100°C (212°F). Once dried, the leaves are crushed, resulting in what we call yerba mate canchada.
Sapecado:
Drying:
Stage 6: Parking
The flavor, color, and aroma that distinguish the different varieties of yerba mate are the result of a maturation process closely controlled by expert personnel.
Grinding
The processing ends with grinding, where the yerba mate is treated according to its variety, the way it was harvested, and the time of year it was processed. The different parts of the plant are mixed in varying proportions, depending on the origin and brand of the yerba mate being produced.
Stage 7: Tasting
The discerning palates of our tasters are the final checkpoint in this process. They are responsible for ensuring a perfect balance and lasting flavor in each variety of yerba mate produced.
Packing
This final step in the production chain is important to preserve all the properties of yerba mate, for which purpose specially designed, airtight packaging is used.
