How To Prepare Yerba Mate Tea: A Complete 7-Step Guide 

For many, the ritual of sipping a hot beverage is a daily treat, and if you’re looking for something different, let’s talk about how to prepare yerba mate tea. This beverage, loved in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, offers a unique flavor and tradition. With its roots deep in South American culture, yerba mate tea is way more than just a drink. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making and enjoying this special south american tea.

What is Yerba Mate Tea?

Yerba mate tea is made by soaking the dried leaves and stems of the yerba mate plant in hot water. Unlike green tea, which stems from Asia, yerba mate originates from South America, especially popular in Paraguay and Argentina. The taste? Imagine a mix of green tea and some earthy flavors with a hint of bitterness. Often, people wonder what yerba mate tastes like, given its distinct blend, which offers a different taste from your regular tea leaves.

Traditionally, yerba mate is enjoyed in a special cup: The mate tea cup is made out of a fruit called “gourd, ” which stems from the calabash plant. With this, a metal straw called a “bombilla” is used. Traditionally everybody involved drinks the yerba mate tea out of one cup, which is shared with everybody.

This traditional way of drinking yerba mate might seem different at first, but it’s all part of the experience. And if you’re curious about the variety of shapes and designs, mate gourds come in a variety of sizes, often reflecting the culture and artistry of their region.

While many love the traditional method, there are various ways to make yerba mate, making sure that everyone finds their perfect way to enjoy this tea. Whether you like it hot or cold, strong and bitter, or slightly sweetened, there’s a method just for you.

Stay with us as we dive into the steps to make this tea and answer the question on how to prepare yerba mate tea. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Yerba Mate Brew?

When people first hear about yerba mate tea, especially outside of its traditional homes in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, one of the first things they often ask is, “What does it do for you?” Well, aside from being a traditional brew with a unique taste, yerba mate offers many benefits.

1. A Different Kind of Boost: While yerba mate contains caffeine, much like other teas and coffee, its effects can feel somewhat different. Rather than the sharp shock you might get from a cup of coffee, yerba mate provides a gentler uplift and energy boost. So, if you’re wondering if you can swap out your coffee maker for a gourd and bombilla, the answer is absolutely!
   
2. Rich in Nutrients and Antioxidants: Yerba mate leaves are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. When you make yerba mate tea, you’re not just making a drink; you’re brewing a cup of health. Compared to green tea, for instance, yerba mate has a broader range of nutrients.
   
3. Tradition and Social Connection: In places like Argentina and Paraguay, drinking yerba mate is a social event. Sharing a traditional gourd with friends or family members is a bonding experience. When you drink a cup of yerba mate tea, especially the traditional way with calabash gourds and bombillas, you’re participating in a practice that spans generations.
   
4. Flexibility in Preparation: Whether you prefer to put your yerba mate like other teas in a French press, drink mate from a ceramic or silicone mate cup, or maybe even try it iced, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy yerba mate. If you’re feeling adventurous, make iced yerba mate on a hot day or enjoy the traditional “mate cocido,” which is yerba mate brewed like regular tea leaves.
   
5. Supports Digestion: While we all love a tea that tastes great, it’s a bonus if it helps with digestion. Yerba mate has been said to assist in this area, making it a popular choice after meals. But remember, just like with any tea, moderation is key.

In the world of teas, yerba mate stands out not just for its distinct flavor, which some liken to a blend of earthy tones with a touch of bitter flavor, but also for its rich cultural significance and benefits. So, the next time you want to switch up your tea routine, remember the gourd and bombilla and try yerba mate tea!

Step-by-Step Instructions on How To Prepare Yerba Mate

The ritual of making mate tea is as enchanting as the drink itself. Often passed down through generations, this age-old tradition holds cultural importance, especially in regions like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. But you don’t need to travel to these places to learn how to prepare yerba mate. With the right tools and patience, you will create a delicious brew right at home. Let’s dive into the heart of this age-old ritual and understand the simple steps to make this iconic tea.

What You’ll Need For Preparing Yerba Mate

• Yerba Mate: Of course you need to buy your yerba mate tea leaves first. If you’re new to this, opt for yerba with stems for a milder experience. But if you’re after a robust, bitter flavor, choose stemless.
• Bombilla: This metal straw isn’t just for sipping; it’s an essential tool for the brewing process.
• Mate Gourds: Traditional mate gourds add authenticity to the experience, but if you don’t have one, a regular cup will do.
• Lukewarm and Hot Water: Temperature is key; keep it at or below 176 Fahrenheit (80 Celsius) to avoid scalding your yerba mate leaves.
• Thermo: Not mandatory, but helpful in making sure your water stays at the desired temperature.

7-Step Guide to Prepare Yerba Mate

1. Gourd Preparation: Fill your gourd 2/3 to 3/4 full with yerba mate. Tilt the gourd to a 45-degree angle. If you’ve chosen stemless yerba, seal the top of the gourd and give it a good shake to filter out fine particles before settling it at an angle.
2. The Lukewarm Introduction: Gently introduce lukewarm water near the gourd’s wall where the yerba mate slants, making sure it doesn’t reach the top of your cup. Be patient and give the water a minute to be absorbed.
3. The Hot Water Dance: Now, add hot water around 176 Fahrenheit (or cooler), and repeat the water addition, mirroring the lukewarm introduction. But remember, don’t ruin your tea leaves by using boiling water; it changes the game (and not in a good way).
4. Bombilla Entry: Insert the bombilla into the wet portion of the yerba mate, making sure it reaches the bottom of the gourd. This isn’t just for sipping; it plays an active role in the preparation process.
5. Mate Sculpting: Putting the bombilla, sculpting the yerba, crafting a dry mound and a wet dip. This is an art, but one easy to master.
6. More Hot Water: Gently refill your gourd with more hot water into the gourd, being careful to maintain the division between wet and dry yerba mate. Aim close to the bombilla to ensure precision.
7. Sip and Savor: Your yerba mate is now ready to be enjoyed. Use the bombilla to sip, and when you’re ready for more, revisit step 6.

As you become familiar with this method, you might notice over time that your mate starts to lose its distinct taste. It could be from an overly wet yerba mate, or perhaps it’s just time for a change. If that’s the case, simply adjust the position of the bombilla and continue from step 4, reversing the sides.

Yerba mate is not just another tea; it’s a rich tradition, packed in a gourd, waiting for you to enjoy. Whether you’re preparing for yourself or sharing with friends, the steps to make yerba mate promise a delicious outcome every time.

How To Prepare A Yerba Mate Tea Successfully

When preparing yerba mate, choosing ingredients and tools profoundly affects the final taste and experience. Picking the perfect mate cup, be it a traditional gourd or a modern silicone one, can influence the flavor. The gourd, a classic choice, offers a genuine touch, while materials like metal or ceramic maintain the tea’s pure taste.

The type of yerba mate leaves is equally important. A blend without stems provides a bolder, bitterer flavor, while a stem-inclusive mixture is gentle and perfect for newbies. Also, don’t forget your bombilla, the special metal straw, which not only enhances the experience but makes sure you sip without the inconvenience of leaves.

How to Enhance Your Yerba Mate Experience Even More

Once you’ve mastered the traditional method of preparing yerba mate, consider exploring other preparation styles to enhance your experience. For a quick alternative, yerba mate tea bags offer an uncomplicated brewing method.

For those warmer days, try Tereré, a cold version from Paraguay that uses cold water or juice to steep the yerba mate leaves. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not recreate the taste by using a French press or a coffee maker? Each method introduces a new dimension to the classic yerba mate flavor.

Alternatives to Traditional Yerba Mate Preparation

If the traditional method of preparing yerba mate isn’t to your liking or if you’re just looking for a change, there are several alternatives to consider. Mate cocido, for instance, allows you to steep yerba mate like your typical tea, providing a straightforward approach.

Those wanting a colder treat can brew an iced yerba mate. Once you’ve made the tea traditionally, let it cool, refrigerate, and serve with ice for a refreshing twist. And, of course, there’s the ever-popular French press method, ensuring a strong brew every time.

How Do I Choose the Right Mate Cups?

Selecting the ideal mate cup depends on your taste preferences. Traditionalists might gravitate towards mate gourds, often ornamented with intricate designs or materials like silver. For a more rustic feel, wooden mate cups, made from oak or rosewood, offer a unique taste profile.

The Guampa, crafted from cow horns, showcases a touch of history and culture, popular among the gauchos of yore. Meanwhile, materials like metal, glass, ceramic, and silicone promise a consistent and pure flavor with every sip.

What’s a Bombilla and Why Do I Need One?

The bombilla is more than just a straw. Typically fashioned from stainless steel or alpaca, this essential tool is designed to strain the yerba mate leaves, ensuring a smooth, leaf-free sip. The bombilla is integral to the traditional yerba mate experience, combining functionality with cultural significance.

How Do I Select the Right Yerba?

The yerba you choose is crucial to the taste of your brew. Opt for yerba without stems for a potent, bitter punch, or go with stemmed yerba for a gentler experience. If you’re in the mood for something different, flavored yerbas come infused with various essences like citrus.

There are also blended yerba mate options, combining the traditional leaves with other herbs for a unique flavor profile. If you need any further guidance on which yerba mate tea to choose, we prepared a list for you with the 10 best yerba mate teas on the market.

Wrapping Up  And My Experience With Making Yerba Mate

So now we learned everything about how to prepare yerba mate tea, from the importance of selecting the perfect mate cup to the nuances of choosing the best yerba blend for your palate, each step contributes to a unique and immersive experience. 

It’s important to understand that yerba mate isn’t just a beverage; it’s an old tradition, a moment of connection, and an art form. Embracing the steps, savoring the distinct flavors, and engaging in the ritualistic preparation all add layers to the overall experience of this ancient drink.

Personally, I’m a massive fan of yerba mate teas. Over the years, I’ve tried various preparation methods, experimented with different yerba blends, and indulged in this tea’s diverse flavors. My hope is that armed with the insights from this tutorial, you too will find joy in the art of preparing and consuming yerba mate tea and, perhaps, like me, fall in love with its deep and varied flavors.

If you are ready, remember to check out our Guide on The 10 Best Yerba Mate Teas In 2023.