How to Brew Yerba Mate

Yerba mate has been a favorite beverage of the Guarani Indians of northeastern Argentina, who introduced the tea to Jesuit Missionaries, who then began to cultivate it. Yerba mate has become popular throughout much of South America and has begun to catch on in North America. It is taken for its stimulating effects and vitamin and mineral content.

Step 1

Fill a yerba mate gourd 2/3 full with yerba mate leaves. If you are using loose leaf yerba mate, use a bombilla or yerba mate straw because fragments of tea leaves may be present in the tea.

Step 2

Cover the gourd with your the palm of your hand and flip it over to help decrease the amount of fine tea leaves that may block the bombilla. Shake the gourd until all of the yerba mate tea leaves are on one side.

Step 3

Place the bombilla into the gourd with the yerba mate, filter side first. Put a small amount of cold water into the gourd just to moisten the tea leaves. Keep the gourd at a tilt until all of the water is absorbed.

Step 4

Heat water in a teapot or kettle to just before the boiling point, as boiling water "ruins mate," according to "Fodor's Argentina." Pour the hot water into the gourd until it reaches just below the top of yerba mate that is on the side of the gourd.

Step 5

The first cup of brewed yerba mate is usually strong, but the gourd may be refilled with more hot water 15 to 20 times. Each time it is refilled, it will produce a milder flavor. Drink the brewed yerba mate alone or share it with others, as is tradition.

Tips and Warnings

If you want to brew a small amount of yerba mate, use teas bags instead of a bombilla. Fill a cup with hot water and let it steep for three to four minutes, or the recommended brew time indicated on the package.
Check with your doctor before using any herbal product.