Add 1-2 tablespoons of mate per cup of water to the French press. Pour a small amount of cold water over the mate to protect it from hot water. This increases nutrients and minerals. Let it sit for 30 seconds. Bring water to a near boil and pour it over the mate. Steep for 3-7 minutes. The optimal storage time in a French press is 24-48 hours. Any longer can lead to a bitter taste. Shorter storage results in a more vibrant, fresh taste. Using water that is too hot can make it bitter. Mate has more antioxidants than green tea and can boost the immune system.
To make cold mate tea or terere, brew mate using cold water in a French press. Let it steep for a few minutes. For stronger flavor, use hot water instead.
Avoid overfilling
as mate expands when wet.
Mate is a tea-like beverage made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant native to South America. It has an earthy, bitter flavor and contains caffeine.
The traditional method uses a gourd and a metal straw called a bombilla. The gourd is filled with dry mate leaves, then hot water (not boiling) is poured in. The bombilla acts as a strainer to sip the infusion. This produces a smooth, rich mate.
A French press can also be used. Place mate leaves in the press, pour in hot water, let steep 3-7 minutes, then slowly press down the plunger to strain. The steeping time can be adjusted to control the flavor strength.
No matter the brewing method, mate has a bold, earthy flavor and naturally contains caffeine. It is popular in South America both for its flavor and energizing effects. Experiment with different preparations to find your perfect mate!
Brewing mate in a French press is a popular method. It offers a convenient way to enjoy this traditional South American beverage. To start, add mate leaves into the French press. Pour hot water over them. Allow mate to steep for 3-5 minutes. Then press down the plunger. This brewing technique allows for flavors and health benefits extraction. Steeping time is influenced by various factors.
Today I share my way to brew mate with a french press. The result is flavorful, smooth and bold mate. You need Guayaki loose leaf mate, a french press, a kettle, and water. Place mate per cup in the press. Pour cold water to protect from hot. Let absorb for 30 seconds. Bring water close to a boil then pour over mate. Steep 3-7 minutes then enjoy.
The French press brews versatile mate. Mate is from the Ilex paraguariensis plant leaves. You can brew mate in a French press. It’s easy and convenient. Put mate in the press, add hot water and steep 3-5 minutes. Press the plunger to filter leaves then drink from the press. The flavor stays almost unaltered.
The optimal storage time for mate in a French press is 24 hours. Longer storage can lead to a bitter taste. Shorter storage results in a more vibrant, fresh taste. Using water that is too hot over-extracts the flavors, causing bitterness.
Tereré is a traditional cold-brewed mate. It’s also called iced mate. Prepare it using hot or cold water. Hot water makes a more intense, stronger flavor. Cold water is milder.
To make cold brew mate:
- Use a french press
- Add 2 tbsp mate and 16 ounces cold water
- Let steep 3-7 minutes
Mate is traditionally brewed in 170 to 180 degree water, similar to green tea. French press by slowly pushing down leaves. Add herbs to improve flavor. The traditional method uses a bombilla filtered straw and gourd cup.