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Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with Mate
Ingredients
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Herbal Ingredients
Water
Optional Additives
Method
Preparation of Yerba Mate
Measure Yerba Mate
Using a kitchen scale, measure 50 grams of yerba mate leaves and set aside.
Boil Water
In a kettle, bring 500 ml of water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. The ideal temperature for brewing yerba mate is around 70-80°C (158-176°F).
Prepare the Gourd
If you have a traditional mate gourd, fill it about 2/3 full with the yerba mate leaves. Tilt the gourd at about a 45-degree angle to create a slope with the leaves.
Add Water
Pour a small amount of the cooled water into the bottom side of the gourd (the side with more yerba). This helps to hydrate the leaves without flooding them.
Insert Bombilla
Insert a bombilla (metal straw) into the yerba mate, making sure it reaches the bottom where the water is. This will allow you to sip the mate without getting yerba into your mouth.
Serving
Sip and Refill
Sip the mate through the bombilla. When the flavor weakens, refill the gourd with more hot water, avoiding direct pouring onto the leaves.
Optional Sweeteners
If desired, add sugar or honey to taste, and garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves for extra flavor.