The yerba mate

“Yerba Mate” is a plant that is used to prepare different infusions, the main one being “Mate”. It is a traditional drink in South America, known for its stimulating effects and many health benefits, some of which are:

It contains natural stimulants that can provide balanced and stable energy and improve concentration.
It triggers a feel-good state in the body and mind.
It has high amounts of vitamins and minerals, besides containing calcium, manganese, zinc and more!
It reduces bad cholesterol.
It regulates glucose levels and reduces the risk of type II diabetes
It helps to control high blood pressure.
It has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
It is rich in antioxidants.
It promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
It prevents osteoporosis.
It is an adaptogen.

How to make mate

1. Heat water, ideally between 75 to 80°C. Do not exceed that temperature in order to avoid burning the Yerba, enjoy its best aromatic notes and preserve the oxygen levels in your water.
2. Fill three fourths of your mate recipient with yerba mate.
3. Cover the mate with the palm of your hand and shake it a bit so that your yerba is evenly mixed.
4. Lean your mate to one side so as to gather the yerba there and then pour a bit of hot water into the empty space opposite.
5. Then insert the straw in the empty space and start to brew. For a lasting experience, avoid wetting all the yerba at once.

How to treat the Mate Recipient (for gourd-like containers)

1. Wash the gourd-like container with hot water to remove any dust or residue.

2. Fill two thirds of the gourd with Yerba: this will allow it to expand during the process.

3. Pour hot water in (between 75 to 80°C): make sure it covers all the yerba. Then let the yerba settle for at least 24 hours.

4. During the process be sure to rotate the mate at least twice to ensure that all areas are in contact with the water and are properly treated.

5. Repeat the entire process at least 2 more times.

6. Finally, empty your mate and wash it one last time with hot water. Then it is ready to use.

How to treat the Mate Recipient (wood containers)

1. Wash the gourd-like container with hot water to remove any dust or residue.

2. Rub the inside of the mate with a little edible oil (it can be sunflower or coconut oil), let it sit for 6 hours, and then clean it with a paper towel. This helps to nourish the wood and prevent it from cracking.

3. Fill two thirds of the gourd with Yerba: this will allow it to expand during the process.

4. Pour hot water in (between 75 to 80°C): make sure it covers all the yerba. Then let the yerba settle for at least 24 hours.

5. During the process be sure to rotate the mate at least twice to ensure that all areas are in contact with the water and are properly treated.

6. Repeat the process (from step 3) at least 2 more times.

7. Finally, empty your mate and wash it one last time with hot water. Then it is ready to use.

How to make Mate Tea

1. Add two tablespoonfuls of Yerba into a cup or a Mate Tea bag.
2. Add hot water, ideally between 75 to 80°C. Do not exceed that temperature in order to avoid burning the Yerba, enjoy its best aromatic notes and preserve the oxygen levels in your water.
3. Let the Mate Tea settle for 3 minutes. The longer it settles, the more intense its flavour will be.
Use a sieve to sift the yerba leaves if necessary (that is, if you did not use the tea bag).

4. All done! Now you can enjoy your Mate Tea!

Some additional tips:

You can sweeten your mate tea with sugar, honey or any sweetener that you prefer.
Also you can add lemon slices or refreshing herbs to give your Mate Tea a special taste.