The traditional tea of Southern South America, Maté is brewed from the leaves and stem of the Ilex paraguariensis tree. Unlike other teas, the leaves and stem are exposed to flames immediately after harvesting; a process known as sapeco. This is to quickly lessen the moisture but seal in the vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. The leaves then undergo a second drying step but remain green due to the flame-drying action. After the sapeco and drying, the green Maté is finely cut and put into teabags. Its taste is often described as green, grassy and herbaceous, with a slightly smoky flavour, and not unlike green tea.