Mate drink instructions:
You will need only 4 things:
- A gourd which we call mate
- A straw called Bombilla
- The yerba or herbs
- And a flask or thermos
1. Place the water on the stove.
2. While we wait for the water to heat. We add the yerba in the gourd. Fill up to 3 quarters of the container.
3. Turn it upside down and quickly shake it. This is done so that the thick leaves are at the bottom and the thin leaves and dust are at the top. This is important to not get the bombilla clogged. This is called tapado, when the water won't go through the straw.
4. The yerba has to be left at an angle so that it doesnt't get all wet at the same time as we pour the water. If all the grass is wet, the mate will wash faster, losing its flavor.
5. The lower side is where the straw will go. Before placing the bombilla in it, many people like to pour a bit of cold or lukewarm water. Simply go to the tap and add a bit of water. This will prevent the yerba from losing its flavor too fast, especially if the first pour is too hot, and it's also done to avoid clogging the straw with the dry dust.
6. We place the bombilla and we are ready to drink it. The water should be around 78º - 83º which in Fahrenheit is 172º - 181º. If it's boiling hot, wait a bit because you don't want to burn the yerba.
7. If you're in a group, the first mate is for the one who pours, also known as cebador. Cebar means to feed or to serve. Before you pour more water, it has to be completely dry. So when someone offers you mate, you must drink all the water, slurp it, and then pass it back to the person who gave it to you (the person pouring). Don't pass it around to someone else!
