Brewing tips
Mate is a traditional South American drink made by steeping dried leaves and twigs of a holly tree-like plant in hot water. It has an earthy flavor with hints of tobacco and oak.
The amount of yerba needed per cup varies depending on personal preferences and how strong or weak you want the brew. To prepare, fill 1/2 to 2/3 of your cup with leaves then pour hot water over them. Let steep for 3-5 minutes.
Some benefits of using a French press include:
- easy way to make multiple cups
- adjust strength easily
- convenient single cup preparation
Recommended amounts
Simply add mate to the French press then pour hot water over leaves and let steep before plunging.
When buying yerba, bags often come in 500g or 1kg sizes which can be confusing. The serving size is not a standard tablespoon like most teas. To determine how long it will last, first figure out your personal serving size.
Mate can be continuously sipped for hours by adding more leaves or water as needed. Each steep releases more nutrients and flavor. It’s commonly enjoyed socially while gathered in nature, sharing one gourd and bombilla which creates bonds.
Begin with 15 grams of yerba for a balanced taste in a medium (12 ounces) French press. Adjust to 20 grams for a more robust cup. For a large (32 ounces) French press use 30 grams of Ilex paraguariensis for a bold flavor. Add 5 grams more for an even stronger flavor.
Ratio guide
What is the ratio of yerba to water? Simply use a ratio of 1 tablespoon of yerba for 8 ounces of water.
Brewing instructions
Place the yerba into the filter of your French press. Slowly pour the heated water over the yerba.
Add cold water and make sure it covers all of the leaves. Add hot water. Let sit for two minutes.
Add a couple of spoons of Yerba Mate to your frenches press and let it sit for a couple of minutes as it brews.
On average, most people use 2-3 tablespoons of Yerba Mate per cup. Personal preference plays a big role in determining the amount of Yerba Mate per cup.
Water temperature greatly affects the flavor profile of yerba mate in a French press. By exploring different brewing methods, adjusting the grams of yerba mate based on water temperature can enhance the taste and experience.