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What is Yerba Mate?

Health Benefits of Mate

How to Get Started with Yerba Mate

How to Prepare Traditional Mate

Essential Mate Accessories

Best Times to Drink Mate

Explore the Flavors of Yerba Mate

How to Sweeten the Taste of Mate

Choosing the Best Yerba Mate

What is Yerba Mate?

Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink, originating from the indigenous cultures of the region that now includes Paraguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. This infusion is prepared with the dried and ground leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis tree, known as yerba mate .

Argentine mate is gaining popularity in Europe due to its energizing qualities and health benefits, similar to those of tea and coffee, but with a distinct cultural experience. This mate drink is traditionally consumed in a mate gourd with a bombilla .

Health Benefits of Mate

Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, more so than green tea, and is known for its stimulating properties thanks to its natural caffeine content. This mate drink is valued for its beneficial effects on:

• Mental and physical energy with natural caffeine
• Digestion and the immune system
• Cholesterol reduction according to scientific studies
• Weight management the natural way

The benefits of mate make it a healthy alternative to traditional coffee.

To learn more about its health properties, see our detailed article: Mate and its Health Benefits

How to Get Started with Yerba Mate

For those new to traditional mate , it is recommended to start with a less strong yerba mate , choosing a variety with a reduced powder content, which will make the infusion milder.

Tips for getting started:

• Choose a complete mate kit with calabash and bombilla
• Sweeten the taste with honey or sugar
• Opt for more pleasant flavored yerba mate
• Participate in a traditional Argentine mate session

The mate ritual is shared in a group, where the mate gourd is passed from hand to hand, promoting a moment of authentic conviviality.

Choose a complete mate kit with calabash and bombilla

Discover our selection of yerba mate for beginners

How to Prepare Traditional Mate

The preparation of mate can be done in different ways, but the traditional method involves the use of a mate gourd and a mate bombilla .

Preparation steps:

1. Fill the gourd two-thirds full with yerba mate
2. Tilt to create a slope
3. Add warm water to the base to hydrate the yerba
4. Pour hot water (70-80°C, never boiling) to infuse
5. The bombilla serves as a filter and a straw

For a complete visual guide to preparing mate , check out our dedicated YouTube video. : Watch the video

Discover the Different Ways to Prepare Mate Around the World and Avoid the 10 Common Mistakes When Preparing

Essential Mate Accessories

To enjoy mate in a traditional and authentic way, some specific mate accessories are necessary:

1. The Mate Calabash

   The mate gourd is the traditional container used to prepare and drink mate. Available in several materials:

   • Traditional dried gourd calabash
   • Modern and durable stainless steel gourd
   • Handcrafted wooden gourd
   • Easy-care ceramic gourd
   Explore our collection of authentic mate gourds , available in traditional gourd , stainless steel gourd and wooden gourd
   

   
   

2. The Bombilla Mate

   A bombilla is a metal straw with a filter at one end. It is used to filter yerba mate and drink it. It is usually made of stainless steel or alpaca.

   Choose your mate bombilla in stainless steel or alpaca.

3. Thermos Mate

   A mate thermos keeps the water at the right temperature (70-80°C) so as not to "burn" the yerba, which could make the infusion bitter.

   
   

   Complete with a thermos mate to maintain the ideal temperature.

4. Complete Mate Kit

   A mate kit usually includes: calabash , bombilla , yerba mate and preparation guide - perfect for beginners.

   
   

   To learn all about maintenance, read: How to Clean and Shine Your Mate Bombilla

   Learn How to 'Curate' Your Mate Gourd

   How to properly dry your gourd

Best Times to Drink Mate

Starting your day with a mate drink is a great way to naturally wake up and energize your body. This mate drink is the perfect ally to start the day!

Ideal times:

• Morning : Natural alternative to coffee
• Afternoon : Against post-lunch lethargy
• Avoid after 6 p.m. for those sensitive to caffeine.

Mate tea is generally milder than coffee in terms of its effects on sleep.

Explore the Flavors of Yerba Mate

Yerba mate offers a rich palette of flavors that vary depending on the region of production and the drying method.

Varieties of Yerba Mate

• Argentinian Mate : Traditional earthy and herbal taste
• Organic Yerba Mate : Pesticide-Free, Pure Taste
• Flavored mate : with added herbs and spices
• Traditional yerba mate : smoked during drying

Explore the Varieties of Yerba Maté and discover the Complete Tereré Guide

Taste Personalization

Add various herbs and spices to your mate :

• Mint and lime for freshness
• Cinnamon or cardamom for warm notes
• Fruit flavored mixes

How to Sweeten the Taste of Mate

For those who prefer a less intense mate , there are several methods to soften the taste:

Softening methods:

• Natural sweeteners : honey, cane sugar, stevia
• Aromatic herbs : mint, chamomile
• Reduced temperature : water at 70-75°C
• Fruits and spices : orange, lemon, cinnamon
• Yerba mate suave : specially designed to be smooth
• Aromatic blends : special blends available

Choosing the Best Yerba Mate

The quality of yerba mate is essential for its flavor profile. Key factors include:

Origin of Yerba

Regional growing conditions affect the flavor nuances of traditional mate .

Harvesting Methods

Timing and techniques determine the intensity and richness of yerba mate .

Purity and Treatment

The proportion of leaves to stems modifies the sweetness of the mate .

Conservation

Good packaging preserves the freshness of your yerba mate .

Buying high-quality yerba mate ensures a superior tasting experience with complex and satisfying flavors.

Discover the traditional art of mate! If you're new to the world of mate or simply looking for tips on perfecting your technique, we've put together a series of tutorial videos for you. Learn step by step how to prepare perfect mate, how to cure your gourd to extend its life, and the best methods for cleaning your bombilla. Click the links below to explore each topic:

• How to prepare mate : Immerse yourself in authentic Argentinian tradition and master the art of preparing mate. Watch the video
• How to cure a gourd : Ensure the longevity of your gourd by following these simple curing steps. Watch the video
• How to clean the bombilla : Keep your bombilla spotless and ensure a pure tasting experience every time. Watch the video

Whether you're a tereré lover looking to welcome spring with your favorite cold drink, or simply want to enjoy a hot mate, these guides will help you fully enjoy your experience.

In addition, we invite you to follow our YouTube channel to access a rich library of educational content that will allow you to become a true mate expert. And to stay up to date with all our news and promotions, follow us on Instagram @Elgauchoarg . Join our community and share your passion for mate with us!

Welcome to the world of mate!