cactuscarl Posted January 28, 2015 Anyone know if I can use fresh picked yerba mate leaves or do they have to be dried first? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
in_spirit Posted January 29, 2015 You can but you wont get the best out of it... there is a whole bunch of things happening inside the leaf when drying and/or roasting to develop and minimise certain aspects in the leaf. I have never tried fresh ilex leaf but have tried fresh tea (camelia sinensis) and like many leaves they carry lots of chems ??? Which are for example astringent, and make for a less pleasant beverage. I would think that the processing of yerba has been developed to get the best out of the leaf, but give it a go and report back... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cactuscarl Posted January 29, 2015 Cheers man... wouldn't mind a first hand report and I know there are a lot of yerba mate drinkers here... come on guys don't be shy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
