Avoid steeping maté for too long to prevent bitterness. Using boiling water will produce a bitter taste. Steeping the leaves for sufficient time, with generous leaves, results in a well-rounded infusion. The desired amount reaches half of the mate. Although you will feel you are falling short, it will achieve uniformity.
Steeping Methods
The simplest method for many is to treat it like tea; steep in hot water then filter leaves before drinking. Using boiling water produces a bitter drink. To enjoy mate traditionally, prepare it properly. It should steep around 3-5 minutes at 150-180°F. Different steeping methods affect flavor. Finding your ideal method and reusing leaves saves waste and provides different flavors.
Health Effects
You can bring that experience by drinking mate on an empty stomach. This makes you more sensitive to caffeine. It isn’t likely to pose a risk for healthy adults drinking it occasionally.
History
It was cultivated by indigenous Guaraní before European colonization. We explore methods of preparing it including traditional, french press, tea bag, and cold brew. Add it to press or strainer, moisten with cool water, add 170°F water, steep 5 minutes. French press is a great alternative, cheaper and portable.
Popularity
Thanks to its reputation as antioxidant-packed, jitter-free alternative to coffee and tea, it’s gaining popularity in the UK. We explain what it is, benefits, dosage and side effects.
Storage
Properly stored dry leaves can last 1-2 years. Check for spoilage signs like musty smell or mold. Discard if present. It can last months refrigerated but store in airtight container. It can be frozen but store in airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Preparation Methods
- Traditional
- Indulge in the art of crafting the perfect cup of this invigorating beverage, as you savor the aromatic steam. The traditional method requires delicate care and attention. But you’re rewarded with a delicious infusion. You’ll need a gourd, bombilla, and hot water. Fill the gourd with yerba mate. Tilt to one side, add cold water to a gap. Allow yerba to absorb water. Add hot water, 170-180°F, and insert bombilla. Experiment to find the balance between temperature and time for your blend.
- French Press
- A French press also works. Add it and let sit before pressing. A great option to serve guests. Uninitiated Americans reach for coffee. But Porteñas aims to change that. Brew the South American way or with Western tools. Get my simple cold brew recipe with lime slices.
Overview
Yerba mate tea is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. To prepare yerba mate tea, start by filling a gourd or cup with yerba mate leaves. Then, pour hot (but not boiling) water over the leaves and let it steep for a few minutes. Finally, use a bombilla (metal straw) to drink the tea. It is believed to have several health benefits, including increased energy and focus, improved digestion, and antioxidant properties.
Brewing Instructions
To brew yerba mate, you will need the following materials:
- yerba mate leaves
- mate gourd or mate cup
- metal straw or bombilla
- hot water
The ideal brewing temperature is 160-180°F, allowing perfect flavor and aroma extraction, impacting the flavor profile. Using boiling water produces an inferior bitter beverage.
To brew yerba mate tea, pour hot water over 1 teaspoon dried leaves in a teapot.