Our custom of drinking mate comes from the “guaranies” (indians who lived in Paraguay, North of Argentina, part of Brazil and Uruguay)
First the Spanish thought the Indians were drinking a herb, that´s why they called it “yerba”. But it was more like a tea, prepared with the leaves of a plant and served in a container which is the fruit of the mate tree.
The plant "yerba mate": The container: The "bombilla":
If you look at the picture above, you can see the "yerba" on the left, the "Mate" on the right and the "bombilla" at the front
The "mate" is empty. Put "yerba" into it so as to fill about 3/4 of the mate with yerba.
Incline the mate 45º so that when you pour the water there is a dry area on the top edge.
Pour a little water at the bottom edge.
Let stand a minute or two and put back in a vertical position.
Press down the "bombilla" against the wet edge.
Add some hot water around the "bombilla" ONLY, making sure there´s always a dry area opposite the bombilla. Then suck through the bombilla (as if it were a straw). When you´re done, pour some more water and suck again. And continue like this. Ignacio likes "mate amargo" (bitter) but you may want to try "mate dulce": add sugar to the wet area around the bombilla before you pour water. Always be sure to keep a dry area opposite the bombilla.
ENJOY!
WHAT IS MATE?
HOW TO MAKE MATE
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