Stick around, and I’ll provide you with all the information you need to enjoy a refreshing cup of erva mate, tailored to your taste preferences. So, grab your gourd, and let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- Experiment with different ratios to find your preferred strength.
- Adjust the ratio to water to customize the taste and strength.
- Personal preference plays a key role in adjusting the amount to enhance your drinking experience.
The traditional method requires care. In the end, you’re rewarded with a delicious infusion. Before we get started, you’ll need a few tools.
- Mate Gourd
- Bombilla – A metal drinking straw with a filter.
- Leaves and hot water.
Step 1: Prepare the Gourd.
Step 2: Fill the Gourd with Leaves
- Fill over half full.
- Shake to ensure the powdery leaves don’t get sucked in.
Step 3: Add Water
- Gently tilt and add a small amount, allowing it to absorb.
- Then, insert the bombilla.
Step 4: Enjoy
- Pour small sips of 150°F water into the gourd and share.
To cure a new gourd:
- Fill 3/4 with leaves.
- Fill with hot, not boiling, water.
- Let absorb for 30 minutes.
- Refill and let sit for 24 hours.
The amount used per cup depends on personal taste. On average, 2-3 tablespoons per cup. But some may use more or less. Enjoying requires a gourd, bombilla (metal straw), and hot water. The water should be hot but not boiling to preserve the original bitterness. Add the water and yerba to the gourd and sip using the bombilla. Refill the gourd with hot water as needed.
The most popular way is to use a bombilla and gourd. Place the dried leaves in the gourd and add hot water (not boiling). Let it steep for a few minutes. Sip through the bombilla. Refill as desired and share with friends. This creates a nice social bond.
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Refill as needed until flavor gone. Depending on size and amount used, refills range 10 to 30.
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The erva mate can be re-steeped up to 10 times before losing flavor.
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Fill gourd with used and add warm water so not dry. Next day, repeat.
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Rinse gourd with hot water, scrape debris. Air dry to prevent mold. Store cool and dry. Occasionally rub inside with lemon juice to remove stains.
Fill gourd
- Slightly tilted.
- Insert bombilla through leaves to bottom.
- Allow to absorb water minute or two.
- Fill to top with hot, not boiling, water.
- Sip through bombilla, savoring flavors.
- Refill as needed.
- Share experience.