| How Yerba Mate Is Prepared Traditionally
The preparation of a cup of yerba mate is one of the keys to a pleasant taste. If not started properly, the taste can turn bitter. Although the method may vary depending on the region, most methods have a couple of things in common; the gourd, or mate, is nearly filled with the yerba and hot water. The temperature of the water may vary between 160 and 180 degrees F. It should never be boiling.
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The mate is first filled ½ to ¾ full with yerba. After that, one grasps the mate with one hand, completely covering the opening with the palm. Then it is turned upside down and shaken briefly. It should be shaken vigorously to begin with, gradually decreasing the forcefulness of the shaking. This causes the finer particles to settle closest to the preparer?s palm and the top of the mate.
Once the yerba is settled as described above, carefully and slowly turn the mate to its normal position. One may have to pause when the mate is at a slight tilt before bringing to the vertical. The goal is for the yerba to be at one side of mate, leaving a cavity between the yerba and the opposite side of the mate.
Now cold to lukewarm water, never hot water, can be poured into the cavity until it nearly reaches the top. If necessary it can be held slightly tilted in order to keep the yerba on one side. Wait until the water is absorbed by the yerba and then repeat before placing the bombilla into the moistened yerba. At this point the yerba mate can be brewed by slowly pouring hot water into the cavity.
An alternate way to brew is to place the bombilla into the dry yerba before moistening.
Curing the Gourd,
It is necessary to cure a new gourd to remove the bitter taste of the gourd and replace it with the essence of your favorite yerba. There is no need to cure solid wood mates, this process will crack the wood.
Fill the gourd 3/4 full with yerba mate
Add boiling water to fill, let it soak in and fill again with boing water.
Let the gourd sit for 24 hrs
Empty out the yerba, rinse with water and scrape the inside with a spoon to remove the gourd flakes.
This process may be repeated more than once.
French Press
The classic French press is a great way to enjoy yerba mate. Just add the yerba mate and add hot water. Allow the leaves to float to the top and settle. Insert the screen and push down slowly.
Coffee Maker
A coffee maker will work but some of the natural oils may be missing from your brew. It is important to wet the leaves and let them sit in the filter and swell up, otherwise they will float and the water will simply work around the yerba mate.
Often people who purchase yerba mate for the first time think the there is some special amount of mate to use or a best way to brew. Experiment find what is best for you, your taste, your lifestyle.
The best preparation method is the one that you enjoy the most.
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