How to prepare mate according to the Argentinean method?
Updated: Aug 30, 2021
We will show you the different steps that will help you to enjoy delicious mates.
But before you start, we made a small list of what you need.
You will need :
- Your mate (the container). The mate can be made of wood, gourd, ceramic or metal. When it is natural, we remind you that it is important to treat your mate before the first use.
- Your bombilla (straw with built-in filter). The bombilla is essential to enjoy a mate.
- Your Yerba Mate Argentina. Argentine yerba is made from four different cuts: powder/small leaf/medium leaf/small branches. The yerbas that are grown in Paraguay and Brazil are prepared in a different way.
- Your thermos flask filled with hot water at 80ºC and a glass of lukewarm water at 40ºC
VIDEO TUTORIAL
The technical side in 7 steps
1. Fill 3/4 of mate
Pour between 2/3 and 3/4 of yerba mate into your calabash. This may seem like a lot at first but you will soon understand that mate is infused repeatedly. It is important to put the right amount in order to create the perfect structure that will allow you to enjoy long rounds of mate.
The mate ritual is meant to be shared. That's why the cebador takes care to offer a quality mate to the other materos of the round.
2. Shake it 2-3 times
Cover the mate with your hand and shake it a few times to mix the different cuts of yerba. Without this step, the mate powder remains at the bottom and blocks the filter of the bombilla.
The Argentinian expression that describes this situation is: "Che, el mate esta tapado !".