How to prepare mate: The science behind a tradition

 

Traditional Argentine Mate Recipe

Although yerba mate is very versatile, both in its preparation and its various health benefits, in its classic form it is consumed hot and bitter. This is the preferred way of drinking it in Argentina, and it’s no wonder that Argentina is the world's largest producer of yerba mate and one of its main consumers: 9 out of 10 Argentines drink mate.

In its traditional version, yerba mate infusion is taken hot and bitter, the best way to enjoy its unique flavor and take advantage of its magnificent properties.

This infusion is always based on yerba mate leaves, which have undergone a drying and aging process that gives them their characteristic bitter taste. In Argentina and other mate regions, the water is usually hot (not boiling), and the original bitterness of the yerba is usually respected; however, there are many options to customize it later according to your preferences.

What do we need to prepare traditional mate?

1. A mate (container), a bombilla (thin tube for sipping the infusion), and preferably a thermos to help maintain the water temperature for a longer time.
2. Good quality yerba mate.
3. Ideally, a kettle to heat the water, as it allows for better temperature control.

Step by step: how to prepare traditional bitter mate

1. Heat water between 70 and 80°C. Make sure it doesn't boil.
2. Fill 3/4 of the mate with yerba.
3. Cover the mate with your hand, turn it upside down, and shake it gently to mix the components well.
4. Slowly lift the mate to a 45-degree angle and pour a little warm water on the side with less yerba to moisten the bottom. 
5. Taking advantage of this tilt, insert the bombilla against the inner wall, trying to keep it fixed and not move it later.
6. Slowly add hot water on the side of the bombilla until foam appears on the surface.
7. As the yerba absorbs the water and the level drops, pour slowly over the bombilla until it reaches the top. The mate is now ready to enjoy!

Recommendations

✔️ Hot water is ideal for a better extracting of mate properties, as it increases solubility of its components. It is recommended to keep the water hot in a thermos to maintain its ideal temperature.

✗ It is very important that the water does not reach boiling point, as the solubility increases so much that in a few minute all the substances are extracted, and the yerba can quickly lose its flavor.

✔️ Pour water into the yerba gently and always in the same spot.

✗ Be careful not to soak the entire contents to enjoy the flavor of the mate for a much longer time.

✔️ Although classic mate is bitter, some people prefer to sweeten the infusion with a little sugar on the surface of the yerba. You can also add more flavor to the mate by placing some dried orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels, or mint, lemon balm, or lemongrass leaves at the bottom.

✗ The bombilla should not be moved to avoid altering the flavor of the mate.

✔️ It is recommended that the first sips of mate be taken consecutively.

✗ Do not take too long to drink the water from the mate to avoid letting it cool down, and drink the entire infusion until the mate has no more water.

The Traditional Mateada

• Culturally it is customary for mate to be shared by two or more people in rounds, sharing the same mate and bombilla. In fact, drinking mate in Argentina is considered a reason for social gathering and bonding, so it is usually shared in a group, a tradition dating back to the times of gauchos drinking mate around a campfire.
• The first mate is drunk by the cebador (the person in charge of preparing the mate), and this person is also responsible for refilling the mate each time and passing it to each member of the group.
• When the foam goes down, and the flavor fades, the bombilla should be removed, and the yerba replaced.
• Say “thank you” to the cebador only when you no longer want to continue drinking mate.

Although this is the most common way to drink mate, there is always an opportunity to add a personal touch! In addition to traditional yerba, with or without stems, there are flavored yerbas with fruits and even yerba with extra mateína for starting the day full of energy. Apart from the traditional presentation, it also comes in tea bags to prepare like tea. On hot summer days, you can also prepare a delicious tereré or cold mate; there is no excuse not to enjoy all the benefits of mate!