How to Infuse Loose Leaf Yerba Mate
Loose Leaf Yerba Mate can be infused in a plenty of ways!
Our favourite one is definitely the traditional way with a gourd and bombilla!
How to prepare Yerba Mate with a gourd and bombilla
Yerba Mate can also be infused with cold water!
Basically, Tereré is an ice-cold variation of traditional yerba mate. Popular in Paraguay and Southern Brazil, it’s incredibly refreshing! (And perfect for first-timers)
Alternative infusion methods
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FRENCH PRESS
Whether you're looking to prepare your morning pick-me-up, filling your travel mug before leaving the house or prepare a refreshing ice cold mate on a hot day, french presses get the job done!
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COFFEE MACHINE
Your coffee machines work perfectly to infuse Yerba Mate. Percolators, Espresso and Single Serve machines do the work! Brew a cycle with water to remove coffee residues and use them just as you would with coffee. Always moisten the Yerba Mate with cool water before for better results.
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TEA INFUSER
Tea infusers work as well to infuse Yerba Mate. Whether you're using a mug strainer, a tea-pot or a tea ball you'll be satisfied! Remember to always moisten your Yerba Mate with cool water before pouring hot water.
How to prepare Yerba Mate with a French Press
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DOSAGE
We recommend to use around 1 to 3 tablespoons of Yerba Mate per cup of water. Depending on the strength that you are looking for, you'll find your right dosage.
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INFUSION TIME
If you're infusing with hot water, steep for 4 to 10 minutes. If you're cold brewing, we recommend letting it steep for 2 to 5 hours. It all depends on the strength that you're looking for.
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TEMPERATURE
Yerba Mate can beinfused with hot(65 to 80 °C) or cold water. Remember to never use boiling water. Boiling water burns all the nutrients and makes bitter Yerba Mate.
Looking for tasty recipes?
Frequently asked questions
When you infuse Yerba Mate with a gourd and bombilla, it can be re-infused up to 20 times, depending on the infusion time and temperature of the water.
When you infuse Yerba Mate with a french press or tea infuser, you can infuse it 2 or 3 times just as any regular tea.
Just like green tea, the active elements and nutrients in the yerba Mate plant burns when it’s exposed to a temperature over 100 degrees. Water at 70 to 80 degrees will infuse the leaves perfectly without burning the key nutrients.
Click here to read 4 mistakes to avoid when brewing yerba mate: https://mateina.ca/blogs/news/4-mistakes-to-avoid-when-preparing-mate
Health Canada recommends that Adults (18 years and over) should not exceed 400 mg of caffeine per day. Hot brewed yerba mate contains about 150 mg of caffeine per serving, while our ready to drink cans contain 80 to 130 mg.
It is not recommended to reuse an infusion the next day. It can have oxidized, and the taste will not be optimal.
The yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis) is different from the tea plant (Camilia Sinensis.) and growth only in South America. The yerba mate plant is known to have the energizing qualities of coffee, the health benefits of green tea and the euphoria of chocolate. The distinctive element; the presence of theobromine, also present in cocoa, is appreciated for its stimulant and relaxing effect.
Yerba Mate (yer-bah mah-tay) is tea-like plant that stands out by its energizing effects, nutritional profile, taste and unique infusion method. Native to northern Argentina, Paraguay and southern Brazil, mate has its own culture based on the values of friendship and sharing.