Contents:

• How do you drink Yerba Mate?
• How do I care for my Matero?

Yerba mate is very popular, and its fan base is constantly growing. An infusion prepared from dried holly leaves, commonly called yerba mate, has many beneficial properties for our health. It contains xanthines, polyphenols, magnesium , potassium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, copper, chromium, silicon, and vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, PP, and biotin, which contribute to:

• stimulates,
• eliminates fatigue,
• cleanses the body of toxins,
• regulates blood pressure,
• has a positive effect on well-being
• improves metabolism and digestion,
• stimulates gastric juice secretion,
• increases the body's immunity.

How do you drink Yerba Mate?

In addition to the dried material, traditional yerba mate brewing requires appropriate accessories, such as a matero—a vessel with a distinctive shape—and a bombilla —a straw that filters coffee grounds.

• Pour the dried material into the material in an amount of ⅓ to ¾.
• Cover the container with your hand and shake it to allow the particles and dust to settle on the top of the container.
• We place the material slightly inclined and pour water with a temperature of about 80°C along the wall.
• Place a bombilla where the water is poured. Do not stir the infusion with it, as this may clog it.
• When the herb has absorbed almost all the water, you need to add some new water,
• After about 3 minutes of brewing time, the infusion is ready to drink.

How do I care for my Matero?

Although more and more people are learning about the beneficial properties of yerba mate on our bodies and many of them are eager to try this infusion, choosing the right vessel and not knowing how to properly care for one (often made from natural materials such as gourd, wood, or bamboo) can initially deter you from embarking on your yerba mate adventure. Therefore, we'll explain how to handle each type of material.

• Calabaza – pumpkin material

The characteristic, pear-like shape of the gourd fruit ensures that the herb is evenly distributed after brewing. This is important for the proper preparation of yerba mate. Before using this dish for the first time, prepare the so-called curado:

• the classic mat should be filled into about half the container volume,
• Pour warm or hot water (not boiling water)
• Let it rest for 12 to 24 hours,
• After this time, empty the matero and rinse it. A coating of unscraped pumpkin pulp will remain on the wall, which should now be carefully removed with a spoon, taking care not to damage the wall of the vessel.
• then the matero must be rinsed and the outside greased with olive oil, taking care that no oil gets inside,
• Leave the impregnated container for another 24 hours until it is completely dry.

It's recommended to rub the container regularly with olive oil. After drinking the infusion, discard the contents, then rinse and dry the container so it doesn't remain constantly wet. After a while, the inside of the gourd will turn green. Some gourds have a metal collar, called a virola. During the first few uses, the material will "sweat," meaning drops of the drink will form on it, which is caused by the porous structure of the gourd.

• Matero Palo santo – matero from the “Holy Tree”

Guaiac is most commonly used for its preparation. When brewing yerba mate in this vessel, an essential oil – guaiacol – is released from its walls. This substance has antiseptic properties and slightly alters the taste and aroma of the infusion. Therefore, it is recommended to drink classic, unflavored yerba mate in it. To prevent the Paolo Santo mat from cracking, rinse it with hot water before use. This also promotes the release of resin from the wood. It should also not be overdried; it should be moist or well-greased. Therefore, it is a good idea to leave the herb in a container and discard it before the next use. This keeps the material constantly moist, and the guaiacol prevents it from becoming moldy.

• Matero Guampa

Yerba Mate, also known as Terere, is prepared in this way. You can find guampas with original metal decorations or trim. You can't pour warm, let alone hot, water over it, as this will cause it to crack. Before using the mate for the first time, it must be soaked for 24 hours and then rinsed thoroughly.

• ceramic mat

Since ceramic requires no special care and can be washed in the dishwasher or by hand with dish soap like any other ordinary cup, it's an ideal solution for those just beginning their yerba mate adventure. Ceramic material is coated with glaze, so it won't crack or mold. You can choose them in any color you like and in a capacity of 200–450 ml to suit your individual preferences.

Equipping ourselves with special dishes and accessories will allow us to carefully and traditionally prepare this infusion of Yerba Mate, which has beneficial effects on our health and well-being, and to fully enjoy its flavor and properties.