How to prepare a mate kit

A mate kit will first and foremost include:
 
A GOOD MATE CUP. It can be a hollow gourd with a small base and a wide mouth to ensure perfect brewing. Although mates are available in many materials, glass, ceramic, steel, silicone, and even plastic (materials that are not permeable and do not affect the flavor of the yerba), for traditional hot bitter yerba mate, mates made of organic materials such as calabash or wood are often used, which must be prepared (cured) before use. Glass ones preserve the flavor and original properties of the yerba mate, don’t absorb odors or flavors, and are very easy to clean. And if they’re also wrapped in thermally insulated materials, such as leather, the mate will maintain its ideal temperature for longer.
 

Another essential element is:

THE BOMBILLA: , a thin, metal tube-shaped straw that allows you to sip the yerba mate infusion. Bombillas can be made of different materials:

  • Stainless Steel: Durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t impart flavor. 
     
  • Bamboo: Natural, eco-friendly, and good for those with sensitive lips, but requires more care for cleaning. 
     
  • Silver: Traditional, beautiful, but expensive and requires special care. 
     
  • Alpaca: High-quality material, durable and long-lasting.

Bombillas can also have different shapes and lengths:

  • Spoon Bombilla:

    Versatile and works well with most yerba mate cuts, especially those with stems or higher powder content. 

     
  • Straight vs. Curved:

    Curved bombillas can be more comfortable to hold, while straight ones are easier to clean. 

     
  • Length:
    Match the bombilla length to the size of your gourd, ensuring it reaches the bottom without being unwieldy. 
 
 
A GLASS OT STEEL THERMOS to maintain the water temperature, with a recommended capacity of 1 liter.
 

The perfect mate kit should include:

ATHERMAL BAG, OR TOTE BAG to carry the thermos, preferably made of waterproof fabric for greater protection outdoors and liners that provide adequate thermal insulation.

Of course, good-quality yerba mate. With or without a stem, flavored, in sachets, smooth, or with low dust content: there’s a type of yerba mate for every taste.

Yerba mate is very versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For example, during the summer, cold yerba mate, or tereré, is very popular in Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. This refreshing infusion is prepared with yerba mate (usually in fruity versions), cold water, and ice cubes.

Originally, yerba mate has a herbal, slightly bitter flavor. Some people prefer to add sugar, sweeteners, honey, or stevia.
Yerba mate comes in flavored versions with fruits like orange or other citrus fruits. Some people prefer to add fruit peels or natural herbs like mint, lemon balm, or lemon verbena to enhance the flavor and benefits.
 
Yerba mate can also be found in tea bag form, allowing you to add milk and sugar just like you would with coffee or tea.
 
Mate con palo is the most classic and most popular version among Argentinians; however, mate without a stem is also available. There is also “low-powder” yerba mate, which results in a clearer infusion.
 
 
At home, it’s also ideal to have
A SMALL KETTLE that allows us to heat the water to the right temperature, around 75°C.

HOW TO GET A MATE CUP CURED

Curing a mate, whether made of a gourd or wood, is essential to enjoying its authentic flavor and preventing mold from forming. To cure a mate, fill the mate with Yerba Mate, add hot water, and let it steep for 24 hours. Then, scrape the inside walls to remove any residue. For daily cleaning, rinse the mate well, dry it upside down, and be sure to wash the bombilla regularly to keep it in optimal condition.

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