How To Brew Mate in a Gourd

  • June 17, 2009
  • 396 Views

Yerba mate is a traditional hot beverage from South America believed to have curative properties. Here’s how to brew and serve it in a gourd.

You Will Need

  • 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried yerba mate leaves
  • A mate gourd
  • Water
  • A bombilla (metal filtered straw)

Step 1: Buy yerba mate leaves

Buy yerba mate leaves at a health food store or mate retailer.

Step 2: Prepare mate for brewing

Fill the gourd halfway with yerba mate leaves. Place a hand over the gourd opening and turn it upside-down, shaking it to force the most powdery leaves to the top.

Step 3: Brew the mate

Add only enough cool water to moisten the mate leaves and let it sit for a few minutes while the leaves swell. Fill the gourd with hot water. Insert the bombilla into the gourd opening and let the tea steep for a few minutes.

Letting the leaves swell enhances their flavor.

Step 4: Prepare to serve

Pass the filled gourd cup around to your friends and enjoy!

Did you know? Yerba mate is believed to counter depression and high cholesterol.

Something wrong?

Report This How-To

Cancel

Comments (0)

There are no comments. Be the first!

or to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends