The leaves can be stored up to one year in a cool, dry place to preserve flavor. Proper storage in an airtight container prevents leaves from losing taste and aroma. The yerba mate tea expels heat received at beginning since it’s burned. This diminishes or worsens taste. The proportions are not exact, but the desired amount reaches half the mate. Although you have the feeling you fall short in quantity, it will achieve uniformity. If you don’t follow these steps, the amount is not enough or too much.
Preparing Sweet Yerba Mate
Many prefer sweet mate with sugar, honey or sweeteners. Sweet mate is prepared with white sugar, although sweeteners, honey, stevia or brown sugar can be used. With a french press, strength is adjusted by choosing amount and steeping time from 1-3 minutes. This finds the best tea to your liking.
Preparing Cold Brew Tereré
Tereré is traditional cold brewed yerba mate. Place it into the french press filter. Slowly pour water over, allowing it to soak in and pass through as you go. Brew for 4-6 minutes depending on strength. You can refill gourd or mug as needed until flavor is gone. Depending on size and amount used, this ranges from 10-30 refills.
Other Brewing Methods
The tea can be made like other teas. Use tea strainer, tea pot, french press or coffee maker. Use 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces of water. Steep 3-5 minutes. Tea bags can accustom palate but are too mild in taste.
History and Culture
The yerba mate tea is native to South America and used to make Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Southern Brazil’s national drink. It’s consumed 6 to 1 over coffee there. It became popular via folklore origins filled with legend.
Flavor Profile
The yerba mate plant gives you a mellow taste. Brewing time and water temperature can be adjusted for a more intensive taste.
French Press Method
A French press is another fast and extremely easy way to prepare the yerba mate tea. Simply add it to the French press and let it brew for a couple of minutes before serving. This is a great option when serving guests.
Perfecting Flavor
Enjoying the yerba mate tea requires delicate techniques to ensure optimal flavor. Unveiling the origins and cultural significance provides context around the perfect cup.
French Press Benefits
Brewing the yerba mate tea in a French press takes only a few minutes, is cheaper, portable, and delivers an earthy, delicious taste comparable to the traditional method.
Ideal Brewing Temperature
Ideal brewing temperature is 170-180°F (76-82°C). Different types require different temperatures for optimal flavor. Experimentation determines the right balance of water temperature and brewing time per blend.
Versatility
The yerba mate tea is caffeine-producing like coffee but offers a herbal flavor profile. It can be served hot or cold. Cold brewing tends to soften bitterness.
The yerba mate drink can be very versatile depending on the situation, weather, country, or individual taste preferences.
What is Yerba Mate?
The drink is brewed from the leaves and stems of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The drink has a rich flavor and contains caffeine and nutrients.
Reusing Yerba Mate
The yerba mate tea can be reused several times. To reuse the leaves: Store them in an airtight container to retain freshness between uses. Over time the flavor will fade. Using hotter water can help extract more flavor from the fading leaves.
Alternative Brewing Methods
The yerba mate drink can be brewed using several methods. It can be brewed in a French press or tea strainer instead of the traditional gourd and metal straw. With these methods 1 tablespoon is used per 8 ounces of water.
For best flavor, brew with water between 160-180°F, similar to green tea. Hotter water can damage the leaves and alter the flavor. The plant naturally contains caffeine and many beneficial nutrients. It has a smooth, uplifting effect without the intense ups and downs of coffee. The yerba mate tea is considered healthier than coffee since it does not flush nutrients like magnesium from the body.