Our Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguarensis), is organically grown in Brazil. This is an unsmoked or "fresh green" variety. Contrary to many sources, this popular South American beverage does contain caffeine. The compound "mateine", commonly identified as an alkaloid other than caffeine, is chemically identical to caffeine. What is not in question, however, is that it is a delicious beverage, high in vitamins and trace minerals!