Mate can be prepared in several ways. The simplest is to steep it like tea using a French press. Adjust the strength by varying the amount of leaves and steeping time from 1 to 3 minutes. Mate can also be prepared cold like iced tea. This is called tereré and is popular in hot climates.
When drinking mate, the leaves are often reused, with flavor remaining after multiple steepings. Proper storage and reuse not only saves money but leads to creative uses for spent leaves.
Some key considerations when choosing mate:
- Wild-grown is best since it’s free of chemicals.
- Organic is also a good choice despite a possibly higher price.
Personal preference plays big role in amount used per cup. Other factors are strength of yerba mate, size of cup, and taste preference. Average is 2-3 tablespoons per cup.
Can I put yerba mate in a French press? Brewing yerba mate in a French press is a popular method that offers a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this traditional South American beverage.
To start, simply add yerba mate leaves into the French press and pour hot water over them. Allow the yerba mate to steep for a few minutes, typically 3-5 minutes, before pressing down the plunger.
To use a French press, place 2-3 tablespoons yerba mate into filter. Slowly pour 150°F water over leaves, allowing soak in 4-6 minutes depending on strength. Clean press thoroughly after use to prevent mold.