So you heard about yerba mate but don’t know the best way to get started.
This guide will walk you through all the basics you need to know such as:
- What yerba mate to buy
- What mate gourd to get
- Which bombilla is best
-
How to prepare it
And a lot more.
Looking back, there are lots of things I would've done differently, now that I've been drinking mate for close to a decade.
So if you didn't like mate the first time, it's likely you missed something mentioned in this guide.
First, here's is a quick video overview to give you a general idea:
What You Need To Get Started
Before we get started with anything else, you need to get your equipment.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Yerba mate
- Mate gourd
- Bombilla
Now after hearing this, the usual question that follows is, "Which ones should I get?"
There are tons of different types so let's break each one down.
Best Yerba Mate For Beginners
There are four types of yerba mate – Argentinian, Uruguayan, Paraguayan, and Brazilian. Each country has their own cut, taste, and characteristics.
But the most beginner-friendly type is from Argentina.
Argentina's yerba mate is milder in taste and have a classic earthy, woody flavor that closely resembles tea. The yerba is also coarsely cut so it's easy to prepare for someone getting started.
But not all brands - regardless of origin - are built the same.
There are hundreds and thousands of yerbas out there. But over the years, as I've now tried close to 100 of them, the one I've found to be the best for beginners is Cruz De Malta.
Cruz De Malta has a nice woody, buttery taste without being too bitter. Yet, still strong enough to give you a good idea of what most yerbas are about. We've recommended this brand to thousands of our followers and received great feedback on it being a good starting point.
So now that we have your yerba, it’s time to pick out a mate gourd.
Best Mate Gourd For Beginners
A gourd or simply a mate, is what you use to drink yerba mate from. Gourds technically refer to cups made from calabash, but is used interchangeably to reference any cup used for mate.
There are many types of mate gourds out there. But there’s one specific gourd I always recommend to beginners and that’s a stainless steel gourd.
Stainless steel cups require minimal care and attention. They’re durable, easy to clean, won’t mold, and can even help keep your mate hot. Not to mention, they also have a nice sleek design and are the perfect size – not too small and not too big – which is something many beginners overlook.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make starting out, is getting a gourd that's very small, as this makes for an infusion that's very concentrated.
You also don't want one that's too big because then you'll likely end up wasting a lot of yerba and consuming more caffeine than your body can handle.
Now of course, stainless steel gourds aren’t traditional.
Which is why in addition to one, we also suggest getting a calabash gourd, though totally optional. But if you want the full experience and are looking to get deeper into mate, it's a must-have.
Calabash gourds are made from of a dried, hollowed out squash. It’s what the Guarani tribes used centuries ago to drink mate. However, they do require the most care. If not careful, they can easily crack, break, and grow mold (you’ll learn how to prevent this in a minute), but they’re also the most rewarding.
Not only do they get "seasoned" as you use it over time, but they're also one-of-a-kind, natural, handcrafted, and a part of a tradition long before you were born. Using one is to honor the tradition of mate. And it allows you to appreciate the true art and craftsmanship behind each gourd as well.
If you plan on getting one to start, you can shop our full collection of mate gourds now.
Best Bombilla For Beginners
Now that you have your yerba and mate gourd, the last thing you need is a bombilla (filtered straw).
These also come in numerous shapes, sizes, and designs. But there’s only one type of bombilla everyone needs, and that’s a spoon bombilla.
Spoon bombillas not only provide the best filtration, but they also serve as a tool for forming a nice mountain of mate. It also makes cleaning out the yerba from your gourd easier when finished.
All you need to do is pick the correct size for your gourd. If the gourd is small small, get a small one. If the gourd’s big, get a big one to match.
You don't want to end up with a large bombilla and a small gourd. Not just because it won't look pleasing to the eye, but because the bombilla may also knock the gourd over.
If you want to take the guesswork out of that, we've designed yerba mate kits that already pair a bombilla and gourd together.
How To Cure Your Calabash Gourd
Traditionally, calabash gourds are cured before they're used.
This was done for several traditional beliefs such as preventing cracks and mold, and "sealing the pores". However, the only real benefit is to improve the flavor of the mate by extracting the calabash's bitter tannins. As well as to clean out any leftover plant material and debris.
If you decide to cure your mate gourd, you can read our step-by-step guide.
How To Prepare Yerba Mate
To learn how to prepare yerba mate, watch our instructional video below or read our step-by-step guide.
In short, fill your gourd about 1/2 way with yerba, cover the the top with your palm and shake it upside-down, bring it back to a 45º angle to form a mountain, fill the empty side with water, steep for 2-3 minutes, insert your bombilla under the mountain of mate, top it off with more hot water, and drink.
A big mistake you must avoid here is to NOT use boiling water. The temperature range we always suggest is 140-170F (60-77C).
Alternative Preparation Methods
Now although I always recommend preparing yerba mate the traditional way, you can always prepare it in a french press, coffee maker, or even a tea pot just like you would with coffee or any tea. This would be the most cost-effective approach if you have these items at home already, but the taste and experience won't compare to a traditional gourd.
What Does Yerba Mate Taste Like?
Your first sip probably won’t be that great and that's fine. It’ll taste like dirt, soil, grass, and smoke.
But trust me, it gets better.
Yerba mate is an acquired taste you have to get used to just like wine and coffee. So long as you keep drinking it every day, you’ll soon fall in love with its earthy bitterness. And if you keep at it for longer, you’ll be able to start detecting the subtle notes and nuances of each brand.
However, if you're already an avid tea or coffee drinker, yerba mate won't taste too strong or bitter.
How To Clean & Maintain Your Mate Gourd
After every session, it’s recommended to clean your gourd as soon as possible. Depending on your environment, you can get away with not cleaning it for 24 hours, but any longer than that and you’re probably going to find mold.
To clean your mate gourd, scoop out all the yerba into the garbage, rinse your gourd under warm water (avoid wetting the exterior if wrapped in leather), then pat dry with a paper towel, ensuring there’s no yerba left. Once finished, rest your gourd on its side anywhere that’s cool and dry. Ideally, by a fan. Sunlight is not mandatory but can help.
How To Get Rid Of Mold
If during the unfortunate event that you happen to find mold in your gourd despite what you’ve done to prevent it, you can get rid of it with some hot water and lemon juice. Read our full guide on how to get rid of mold here.
Just don’t confuse mold with the natural curing and coloration of your gourd. You see, every time you use your calabash, the interior walls get stained green/brown/black from the yerba. This is completely normal and part of the curing process. However, if you see something fuzzy, then it’s time to take action.
If you made it up to this point, you now know everything you need to know as a beginner to start drinking yerba mate.
Now all you need to do is grab your equipment.
And we've curated a special Beginner’s Yerba Mate Kit including all the items mentioned above to get you started!
