Yerba mate is an intriguing drink that originated in South America and is known for its rich flavour and stimulating effects. Although drinking yerba mate the traditional way is a centuries-old practice, there are also modern twists on this beloved drink. Let's take a look at the traditional way to prepare and enjoy yerba mate, as well as a few other methods.
Enjoying Yerba Mate the Traditional Way
In countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, drinking yerba mate is more than just a habit; it is a social occasion and a sign of hospitality. Here's how to drink yerba mate the traditional way:
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Fill the gourd to just over halfway with yerba. Cover the top of the gourd with your hand and shake it up and down so that the powdery particles don't all end up at the bottom. Now tilt the gourd so the yerba lies at an angle, and set it down at roughly 45 degrees. You can use your bombilla to prop up the gourd, for example.
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Pour a little lukewarm water as close as possible to the wall of the gourd, on the side where there is no yerba. You'll now have one half with dry leaves and one half with water. Wait 1–2 minutes until the water has been absorbed by the yerba leaves.
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Once the water has been fully absorbed, you can 'tamp down' the leaves a little with your bombilla so that the yerba sits entirely on one side of the gourd. Now insert the bombilla on the side without leaves and slide the filter, flat side up, under the leaves. Use the bombilla to push the leaves up slightly, creating a small hollow for the bombilla.
- Now pour hot water (no hotter than 80 °C) on the side where the bombilla is, and you're ready to enjoy! Don't let the yerba steep for too long, as that makes it very bitter. Finished it? Simply refill the mate. You can often refill it up to 8 times before the flavour starts to fade.
