INFLUENCE OF NATIVE AND CULTIVATED YERBA MATE ON THE MINERAL COMPOSITION AFTER PROCESSING

ABSTRACT Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a native species native from subtropical and temperate regions of South America. Its production process may influence its physicochemical composition and the final quality. In this way, this study aims to evaluate the major macro- and micro minerals present in the yerba mate, both native and cultivated, after the processing. This experiment was conducted in an industry, where samples of dried yerba mate were collected. In total, samples were collected from 31 production areas, with 25 areas of cultivated yerba mate and 6 areas of native yerba mate. The determination of Ca, K, Mg, Na, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was released by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The highest levels of macronutrients (Ca, K, Mg and S) and micronutrients (Cu, Fe and Mn) were detected, due to the management of the yerba mate plantations, which mostly receive organic or chemical fertilization, as well as the age of the branches and leaves, reflecting on the composition. In contrast, native yerba mate depends on the natural fertilization of the soil and the characteristics of the environment in which it is found.