Can you make mate without a gourd?
Mate is an herbal tea made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. The leaves are typically dried over a fire, then steeped in hot water to make the tea. It is estimated that the average person in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay consumes over 6 kilograms of mate per year.
Traditional Preparation
The traditional preparation of mate involves using a bulb-like container called a bombilla which has a long, slender metal straw attached to it, allowing for easy sipping without disturbing the leaves. There are various mate brewing methods, including the traditional method, where the gourd is filled two-thirds with leaves and then topped with hot water.
To make mate at home, you will need a gourd, a bombilla, and loose leaves. It can be customized with different flavorings such as lemon juice, mint leaves, ginger slices, or honey. Choosing the right gourd and curing it is crucial to enhance the taste and authenticity of mate.
Mate is meant to be enjoyed slowly and mindfully with people you care about. Brewing its leaves with the reverence this traditional practice deserves, makes the whole experience special. So, what are the different methods of making mate?
It’s important to understand that mate isn’t just a beverage; it’s an old tradition, a moment of connection, and an art form. Embracing the steps, savoring the distinct flavors, and engaging in the ritualistic preparation all add layers to the overall experience of this ancient drink.
Using a Tea Strainer
Can you make mate with a tea strainer?
To make mate tea, first boil water. Let the water cool for 5-10 minutes. Then, add 1-2 tablespoons of leaves per cup of water into a strainer. Pour the water over the leaves. Let it steep for 5 minutes before straining. Flavor as desired.
When brewing mate, do not use boiling water. The best temperature is 68°F to 80°F. Boiled water makes the tea bitter. Also avoid steeping it too long. This over-infuses the tea, reducing the flavor.
Using a Regular Cup
How to make mate in a regular cup?
- Fill mate cup with 3/4 leaves.
- Shake cup and make a “montañita”
- Pour warm water to soak dry leaves
- Insert bombilla in cup
- Serve first mate
Avoid boiling water as it makes mate bitter. Mate cups come in various materials like wood, gourd, glass, metal or silicone. Gourds need curing before first use.
Drinking mate boosts energy. Sip it continuously for a few hours, adding more leaves or water as needed. It’s meant to be enjoyed slowly with loved ones.
Making from Scratch
How to make mate from scratch?
- Put 1-2 tablespoons of leaves in a French press or strainer. Moisten with cool water. Add 8 oz 170°F water. Steep 5 minutes, strain. Flavor as wanted.
Steps to make:
- Wash leaves to remove dirt. Put in a pot with water. Boil then lower heat, simmer 10 minutes. Cool 5-10 minutes or use an ice bath. Strain out leaves with a sieve or cheesecloth.
A french press takes a few minutes. It’s cheaper, portable, tastes earthy and delicious.
Keep water under 75°C. Don’t overfill. Traditional mate is bitter, some add a little sugar. Make "terere" with cold juice instead of hot water.
A friend taught us:
- Fill gourd 2/3 with herb.
- Cover top and swirl.
- Insert bombilla and pour hot water over it.
- Let steep.
- Refill bombilla side as needed.