How to prepare mate according to the rules of the art?

We hear more and more about mate, the plant originating from South America (between Paraguay and northern Argentina), but do we really know how to consume it and how to properly prepare mate? Know that there are several ways to consume this plant, from the traditional method to more original variants, namely tereré mate or mate cocido. Mate is widely cultivated in its country of origin, but the plant is now threatened due to local deforestation. The mate leaf comes from a tree several meters high (on average 4). We will see how to use its leaf to make this drink according to the rules of the art.

Preparing mate properly to benefit from its many associated virtues

The yerba mate has become a popular drink in Europe in recent years, as we have gradually learned about the numerous benefits of this beverage. Indeed, it is rich in antioxidants, vitamin B, and iron. It is also low in calories. Drinking it daily like an herbal tea or infusion will allow you to strengthen your body and immune defenses. This drink is made from medicinal plants. Preparing mate properly is also synonymous with a good stimulant for digestion and helps relieve your headaches and nervousness. Yerba mate is one of the natural aids to fight fatigue. Moreover, this drink is detoxifying with its slimming power and is used for this reason in many diets. It is also calming and relaxing. Let's now return to how to consume it. How to prepare mate tea? This is an important step as it will impact its benefits.

Preparing Argentinian mate, the traditional method

How to prepare yerba mate? If you want to respect the traditional method, you must obtain the essential accessories for preparation. Indeed, there is first the gourd, the container for the mate, then the bombilla, a kind of metal straw. Pour mate leaves into the gourd, filling it 3/4 full. Then cover the container with your hand and shake it upside down so that the powder remains on your hand. Then tilt the gourd so that all the mate leaves are on the same side and pour a little cold water. Then use the bombilla in the lower part impregnated with cold water, suck a few drops then spit it all out. Perform the same operation with hot water (it should not be boiling). Your mate is then ready to be enjoyed. Preparing mate properly also means adding hot water if needed to consume the drink throughout the day and enjoy the taste of the leaves and their benefits.

Preparing mate, the variants

If you want to prepare Argentinian mate, know that there is a traditional method, but also more or less widespread and used variants. First, there is "tereré mate". This technique is particularly used in Paraguay. It's a method that produces an iced tea, fresh and thirst-quenching, which can be consumed instead of lemonade or water, for example, in hot weather. To do this, simply put about 4 spoons of mate in 1 liter of boiling water. Then let it steep for up to 8 minutes before filtering everything. Just let it cool and then add lemon juice, lemongrass, or honey to give the drink a pleasant taste.

Preparing "mate cocido" is a second technique. This Spanish term indicates preparing mate like an infusion, tea, or herbal tea. Indeed, do as when you prepare black tea or green tea for example. You can therefore use your usual cup and teapot as well as your tea balls. Then simply dose the mate like tea according to your preferences. Start by putting a little cold water as in the traditional method then add hot water. You can let it all steep for about 5 minutes before letting it cool and enjoy.

How to prepare mate using blends?

If you're not a die-hard fan of the bitter taste of mate, you can use it as a base for preparations with other flavors and plants. For example, it's possible to use it in combination with lemon, citrus fruits, honey, or even coffee. Finally, you can also add certain plants like ginger, mint, chamomile, licorice, or rooibos to the preparation to give it a taste more suited to your preferences.