Mate is a tree that grows in South America’s subtropical region. To narrow it further, the herb is mainly grown in Brazil’s South area, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Part of the family Aquifoliaceae, mate has around 550 variants within this family of plants, of which only two or three are used for yerba mate.
When trying to grow mate, consider:
- Can you use fresh leaves? One batch of leaves can be brewed several times by topping up. Unlike tea, the flavor intensifies with each new infusion. Mate leaves get dried before storing.
Those growing their own are usually big fans. The drink gets made from twigs and leaves, steeped in hot water. In South America, it’s traditionally served in a gourd with a special straw.
Understanding the amazing plant basics helps when growing it. Brewing loose-leaf in a gourd with hot water produces a flavorful, energizing drink sipped through a metal straw. Appreciating these rituals can help understand the cultural significance.
Growing indoors needs the right plant, lighting and care. Harvesting your own adds satisfaction, letting you savor flavors and benefits. Try this South American drink adventure.
Can I make my own mate?
Mate is made by steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water. The ideal brewing temperature for yerba mate is approximately 170°F(77°C). In order to enjoy mate properly, you must prepare it properly. Yerba mate is a type of holly (Ilex paraguariensis) that grows in the subtropical regions of South America. It’s an evergreen shrub or small tree, and it’s dioecious, meaning separate male and female trees. This herb is primarily used to make a stimulating tea. Traditionally, dry leaves are placed into a hollowed-out gourd cup, hot water is added and the leaves are steeped.
I want to share the art of making your own mate. Follow along as we share the secrets to always get your mates right! A thermos from MIRA Brands is going to keep your water hot for mate during the day.
The mate bush, comes from South America. It grows there, wild in the forests or cultivated. The tea is a national drink in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay or Uruguay.
How do you process mate leaves?
- Mate is made by steeping dried leaves from the yerba mate plant in hot water. It tastes like green tea, with hints of tobacco and oak. The simplest method for many is to treat mate like tea; steep it in hot water and then filter out the leaves before drinking. The ideal brewing temperature for yerba mate is approximately 170°F(77°C).
The mate bush, comes from South America. It grows there, wild in the forests or cultivated. The tea is a national drink in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay or Uruguay.
- Traditionally, leaves were chewed or steeped in hot water to make tea. The most common use is tea prepared with a calabash gourd and bamboo straw (bombilla).
By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know how to prepare mate properly. You’ll need a few tools.
How do you germinate mate seeds?
Mate seeds take 2 to 4 weeks to germinate if given adequate moisture, warmth, and sunlight.
If growing from seeds, first store them to maintain viability. Fresh seeds have the best rate. To store:
- Dry the seeds on clean paper.
- Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When planting,
- soak in water for 24 hours before placing in well-draining soil.
- Keep soil moist and provide indirect sunlight.
The seeds need specific conditions to germinate successfully. Keep moist at 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). Germination takes 1 to 3 months.
Seeds need cold stratification if not planting immediately after harvest.
Cuttings should be semi-woody, taken in late summer. Treat with rooting hormone.
- Soak mate seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to soften the shell.
- Place in seed tray with well-draining soil.
- Plant at shallow depth, keep soil moist, and provide indirect sunlight.