How to Make Mate Tea
Mate tea is a traditional South American infusion that is made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. Not only is it a delicious drink, but it has many potential health benefits. Here are some simple steps to make it:
Steps
- Gather the Materials: You will need yerba mate leaves, water, and a mate gourd or mug.
- Fill the Gourd: Fill the mate gourd with 2-3 tablespoons of yerba mate leaves.
- Add Hot Water: Be sure not to use boiling water as it can burn the leaves. Add enough water to cover the leaves and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Drink: Once the water has cooled a bit, sip the tea from the gourd with a metal straw (called a bombilla) or drink it with a cup.
Tips
- It is common to pour the tea back and forth between two gourds, as it brings out the flavor of the tea.
- If you don’t have a mate gourd, you can also use a mug.
- You can add a small amount of honey or sugar to sweeten the tea.
