Necessary Equipment
You’ll need a few tools… Mate Gourd. The first thing you’ll need is a gourd (also called a mate).
The Traditional Method
The Traditional Way – Gourd, Bombilla and a Sharing Circle. The infusion is brewed using leaves harvested from the yerba mate plant. In the traditional way of enjoying the infusion you share the gourd (bowl) with friends and family.
How to Make Traditional Yerba Mate
For those looking to make yerba mate traditionally, it’s easier than you’d expect! All you need is a gourd, loose leaf tea, hot water and your bombilla for filtering leaves from the gourd.
Yes, it requires attention and skill. It can help us slow down and connect…
Other Brewing Methods
Learn to make traditional infusion tea with gourd or any vessel, from coffee maker to teapot.
How Much Yerba to Use
How much yerba do you put in a gourd?
Adjust the ratio of yerba mate to water to customize the taste and strength. Filling the gourd to the brim intensifies the flavor and aroma, while leaving space allows for water flow regulation. Personal preference plays a key role in adjusting the amount of yerba mate to enhance your drinking experience.
Standard Amount
The simplest method for many is to treat yerba mate like any other tea, both in how much you drink at once, and how much you use. That ritual is described in the name, which translates to “gourd herb,” referring to the standard way of drinking the beverage.
To brew yerba mate, fill your Mate cup with yerba mate. You can use anywhere from 1/2 to 1 full teaspoon of Mate per cup, depending on how strong you want your drink to be. Once you finish drinking, throw the used yerba away, rinse the gourd and drie it with a paper towel, sometimes it’s a good idea to put the mate gourd mouth down near the stove for a few seconds so that the very hot air can accelerate the drying.
Best Method for Brewing
What is the best way to brew yerba mate?
Discover the perfect way to brew yerba mate in a gourd! First, choose the right gourd and bombilla. The gourd enhances flavor and heat retention. The bombilla prevents clogging. Using this method provides a full-bodied taste and longer-lasting mate session. It also connects you to the cultural heritage of yerba mate.
First, carefully choose high quality yerba mate and a gourd. Ensure they enhance the flavor. Next, insert the bombilla into the gourd. Its filter prevents leaves in the mouth. Then, pour hot water to extract the flavor. Finally, enjoy this delicious infusion!
The gourd and bombilla allow efficient extraction of nutrients. Pouring hot water steeps the yerba mate leaves, bringing out their flavor. Optional ingredients like sweetener or milk customize the taste.
Why Use a Gourd
Why drink yerba mate from a gourd?
Yerba mate has been consumed for centuries in South America. Drinking it from a gourd is rooted in the culture. The gourd holds symbolic meaning, representing unity and sharing. Sharing yerba mate promotes connection. The gourd is eco-friendly, being natural and sustainable.
To prepare: Fill 2⁄3 of the gourd with yerba mate leaves. Tilt and add hot water to place the bombilla. Once leaves swell, add more hot water. Taste before passing around the circle. Refill until washed out.