Product description the traditional tea of southern south america mat is brewed from the leaves and stem of the ilex paraguariensis tree unlike other teas the leaves and stem are exposed to flames sapeco in portuguese immediately after harvesting this is to quickly lessen the moisture and seal in the abundant vitamins a b c and e minerals magnesium iron calcium riboflavin niacin and polyphenols the leaves then undergo a second drying step but remain green due to the sapeco fl