Learn how to properly brew yerba mate in a mate gourd in the traditional way.
First, make sure you have the following ingredients and elements:
- Yerba Mate
- Mate (recipient) (previously cured)
- Bombilla (metal straw)
- Hot water (not boiled)
- Optional: Thermo, mate kettle.
Steps:
1Warm the water
The recommended temperature is between 70 y 80°. (70–80 °C, 160–180 °F). (check out the different kettles alternatives, from classic ones, electric and mate specific with mate temperature indicator)
2Fill the gourd with yerba mate.
Pour the yerba mate into the recipient (about three-quarters of the mate gourd)
3Remove the yerba mate powder ("polvillo")
Put your hand on the top of the gourd and Shake the mate gourd several times, so the thinner yerba powder sits on the bottom of the recipient, this action is to prevent the powder going through the bombilla when you sip it.
Put the mate back to it's position, trying to pile up the yerba leaves against one side, so the opposite side forms a hole.
4Pour a little bit of hot water into the empty space
Then let it rest for some seconds to the yerba mate gets wet.
5Insert the bombilla into that space, firmly, so it gets stuck.
6Pour hot water:
Fill the gourd with hot water, pour the hot water into the space, where the bombilla meets the yerba.
7Drink mate
Drink from the bombilla taking several sips slowly. If you are drinking the mate with a group of people, make sure you drink it until the end, then pass back the mate to the person who is making it ("cebador").
Tips:
- Don't move the bombilla, some people like to move it after drinking, moving it can clog the bombilla.
Enjoy your mate!
