How to prepare yerba mate: with a gourd, French press or tea bag
You don't drink yerba mate like regular tea. Traditionally it's made with a gourd and a metal straw, but you can also brew it in a French press or pot. Below you'll read how to prepare yerba mate per method, how much to use and what to know about water temperature. Prefer loose powder or an extract? You'll find both in our energy herbs.
What do you need?
For the classic preparation you use dried, ground yerba mate leaves, called yerba. That's the yerba mate powder we sell loose. You also need hot water of around 70 to 80 degrees, so just off the boil. Boiling water makes the tea bitter and spoils the flavour.
How much yerba mate per cup?
As a guide, use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of yerba per cup, or fill up to a third of your gourd. If you like a stronger, more stimulating cup, use a little more. Start on the light side and build up to what you enjoy.
Method 1: the traditional gourd with bombilla
This is the South American way, with a gourd (cup) and a bombilla (metal straw with a filter).
Fill the gourd about a third with yerba.
Cover the opening with your hand, turn the cup over and shake gently. This brings the finest particles to the top, otherwise they clog your straw.
Tilt the yerba to one side so a hollow forms.
Pour a little lukewarm water into that hollow to let the leaves swell. Wait a minute.
Insert the bombilla into the damp side and add water of 70 to 80 degrees.
Drink the cup through the straw, then refill. You can re-steep the same yerba several times.
Method 2: French press or teapot
No gourd? A French press works fine and keeps the leaves neatly separate.
Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of yerba per cup in the French press.
Pour water of 70 to 80 degrees over it.
Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Steeping longer makes it stronger and more bitter.
Press the filter down and pour.
Method 3: tea bag or loose in a cup
The quickest way: put a teaspoon of yerba in a tea strainer or loose in your cup, pour hot water over it and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain afterwards. Less authentic, but handy on weekdays.
Cold: tereré for warm days
In warm regions they drink yerba mate cold, called tereré. You brew it with cold or iced water instead of hot water, often with some lemon or mint leaves. Otherwise it works the same as the gourd method.
Tips for a better cup
Never use boiling water. 70 to 80 degrees keeps the flavour smooth.
Always pour onto the same side of the yerba, so the rest stays fresh longer.
Too bitter? Add some lemon juice, honey or a mint leaf.
Want it stronger and more compact? A yerba mate 10:1 extract gives more strength in less volume, handy on the go.
Frequently asked questions
Can I re-steep yerba mate?
Yes. With the gourd method you can re-steep the same yerba 5 to 10 times, until the flavour fades. That's exactly the idea.
Which water do I use?
Water of 70 to 80 degrees. Boil the water and let it cool for a minute or two before pouring.
How much yerba mate per day?
That varies from person to person. Yerba mate contains caffeine, so build up gently and see how your body reacts. Stick to the recommended dose on the packaging.
Where do I buy yerba mate?
You'll find loose yerba mate powder and the 10:1 extract in our energy herbs. Prefer a ready-made tea blend with yerba mate in it? Take a look at our tea, such as the Harmony Organic Tea.
