Brewing instructions
The recommended water temperature for making mate tea is 150-175 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact temperature depends on the type you are using and how strong you like it. Longer steeping time results in stronger tea.
The traditional way to drink the South American beverage is from a mate cup or gourd using a bombilla straw. This allows you to easily filter out the leaves while drinking and fully appreciate the flavor. The bombilla also allows you to easily control the flow as you drink. However, if you don’t have a mate cup or gourd, you can still prepare and drink it in a regular cup or mug using a spoon or small strainer to remove the leaves before drinking.
Mate cup instructions
Drinking mate is much easier than it seems. Fill the mate cup with 3⁄4 of the infusion. Add a little of warm water for it to swell. Let it rest for 5 minutes approximately. Put the bombilla.
You can get 20+ top-ups in your average cup of yerba mate so the flask is definitely a good idea so you can enjoy it for hours on end.
Yerba mate processing
Leaves and twigs are cut from the tree, then they go through sorting, cutting, crushing, toasting, aging, and finally they can be flavored and mixed with other herbs.
Traditional method
Below are instructions for brewing yerba mate the traditional way with gourd, bombilla and sharing circle. I explain how to brew with a French press and how it compares to drinking from a gourd. You’ll find how to make refreshing ice-cold tereré. Also the easy way with tea bags. And the modern way with K-cups.
Simple steeping method
The simplest is to treat it like any loose tea. Steep it in 170°F water then filter leaves before drinking. Using boiling water makes a bitter drink.
Equipment needed
You’ll need leaves, a mate gourd or cup, a metal straw or bombilla, and hot water. Some add sweetener, lemon or milk. The mate gourd or cup traditionally brews and drinks yerba mate. The bombilla stirs and sips.
Other brewing methods
- Brew in a coffee maker with one tablespoon per cup. Don’t overfill as leaves expand.
- Drink on an empty stomach.
- Don’t drive or operate machinery until you know your reactions.
The desired proportions are that the South American plant reaches the half of the mate. The leaves are inserted into the gourd with water heated to 80 degrees. The mate is accompanied by a thermal flask for top-ups of hot water after each person’s turn.
French press method
Here are the instructions on how to prepare newly bought loose leaf yerba mate using a simple teapot and no strainer, just as you would prepare loose leaf tea. This method requires minimal cleanup after.
This will provide a guide to help make the perfect cup. You will need: leaves, mate gourd/cup, metal straw/bombilla and hot water. Depending on preference you can adjust temperature or leave brewing longer for more intensive taste.
Flavor
Yerba mate tastes like green tea, with tobacco and oak hints. Simply pour boiling water over mate leaves and steep 5-6 minutes. Filter before drinking.
Expert guide
We’ll cover preparing the South American plant, using a mate cup, drinking from a mug, straw use, gourd preparation. By the end, you’ll be an expert! Mate cups (gourds) traditionally hold leaves and water. Fill with leaves and pour in hot (not boiling) water.
Keeping water hot
Good thermoses keep water hot for mate all day. Drinking yerba mate boosts energy. Most sip continuously, adding leaves and water for hours. It’s also enjoyed cup by cup.
Improving flavor
Here’s how to improve its taste: Boil water. In a french press, place 6 teaspoons leaves. Pour in hot water. Soak 10 minutes to extract nutrients and caffeine.