The mineral composition of three commercial mate products and of the infusions thereof were evaluated, being four replicates used. In the industrial processing of 'chimarrão' mate-herb, leaves and twigs are employed, having an approximate proportion of 70% and 30% respectively. Both in the commercial mate products and their infusions N was determined by micro-Kjeldahl whereas P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Na, and Pb were analysed either by atomic absorption or by argon plasma. In the commercial product Mg and Mn were the main elements. In the infusions higher concentrations were in decreasing order: K, Mg, S, Ca and P. Solubility obeyed the order: B > S-SO4 > Zn > K > P > Mg =Mn > Cu > Cr. The remaining elements showed lower 30% soluble proportions. The infusion has high concentrations of K, Mg and Mn (a micronutrient), intermediate ones for S, Ca and P, low level of Al, and zero concentrations of Cd and Pb.
mineral composition; mate-herb; infusion; Ilex paraguariensis
