Can you drink yerba mate without a gourd?
Never use boiling water. Temperatures of around 140-170oF work best. For every 8 ounces of fluid, use 1 tablespoon of yerba.
First, a tea strainer, tea infuser, or teapot. Put 2-3 teaspoons of loose-leaf yerba into a strainer, place over an 8 oz cup, wet the leaves with lukewarm water pouring hot water over the leaves and through the strainer. Using a tea infuser and yerba is a great option. The tea infuser ensures that the loose leaves are contained, preventing any unwanted residue in your cup.
Favorite Yerba Mate Drinking Vessels
Some favorite mug designs include:
- Ceramic mugs with colorful patterns
- Mugs made of glass that allow you to see the beautiful color of the tea
Can you make the herbal tea like regular tea?
If you don’t have these items, there are still many easy ways to brew yerba at home.
Use 2-3 teaspoons of yerba per 8 ounce cup. Always pour 170°F water over the leaves, not boiling water. Add less or more yerba to adjust the strength.
Options for Brewing Yerba Mate at Home
Option 1: Brew in a tea strainer over a cup. This portable method is great for on the go.
Option 2: Brew in a tea infuser or filter. This allows for a convenient, mess-free experience.
Option 4: Brew loose leaves in a French press or pot, using 1-2 tablespoons leaves per 8 ounces water. Steep 5 minutes then strain.
The Traditional Yerba Mate Method
Fill a gourd 2⁄3 with yerba and insert the bombilla. Pour a small amount of cool water over leaves before adding 170°F water. Drink until you hear slurping noises, then refill and pass to friends.
What is Yerba Mate?
Yerba is a tea drink made from the leaves of a bush typically grown in South American countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Brazil. This awakens the tea. Pour hot, not boiling, water into the yerba tea and drink.
Yerba (maté), is a species of the Holly Family (Aquifoliaceae), native to subtropical South America. The plant is harvested and brewed similar to tea, to make a specialty beverage popular throughout South America. But let’s take a deeper dive into this subject, here I’ll take you from start to finish, from growing to preparation, to drinking it and more … everything I know, condensed into one (hopefully) helpful page! Yes, the yerba gourd requires attention and skill. But if we open to its magic, the gourd can be a great teacher. It can help us slow down and connect.
Can you use any cup for yerba?
How to Prepare Yerba Mate
Put yerba in a cup, one quarter to three quarters full depending on desired strength. Cover with 70-80°C water. Let soak to infuse flavor.
Traditionally, share a gourd (bowl) of yerba with friends in a circle, passing the gourd around for each person to drink through a special straw called a bombilla.
A coffee maker can also be used to make yerba by adding 1 tablespoon of yerba per cup of water into a coffee filter and brewing like normal coffee. However, traditional methods are often preferred.
Yerba Mate Drinking Vessels
When drinking mate, use an appropriate cup such as:
- A calabash gourd
- Wood, bone or metal cup
Clean thoroughly after use. Quality yerba brings out the best flavor, texture and aroma.
Health Benefits of Yerba Mate
The caffeine in yerba boosts metabolism and energy. It can suppress appetite as well. Yerba contains less caffeine than coffee but more than tea, around 85mg per cup depending on brew time.