The Golden Rule: Never Use Boiling Water

The most important thing to know about brewing Yerba Mate: always use water at 70–80°C (160–175°F). Boiling water makes Yerba Mate bitter and destroys some of its beneficial compounds. Let boiled water cool for 2–3 minutes before pouring.

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Method 1: The Traditional Gourd (Calabaza)

The traditional way to enjoy Yerba Mate is with a gourd (calabaza) and a metal straw with a filter (bombilla). This method produces the richest, most authentic mate experience.

1. Fill the gourd — Fill 2/3 of the gourd with dry Yerba Mate
2. Tilt the gourd — Tilt it 45° so all the mate rests on one side
3. Add a little cold water — Pour a small amount of cold water onto the mate to protect the nutrients. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Insert the bombilla — Place the bombilla in the empty space (not in the mate pile)
5. Pour hot water — Fill the empty space with water at 75°C. Do not stir.
6. Drink and refill — Drink through the bombilla and refill with hot water 8–15 times. The mate is spent when it loses its flavor.

💡 Tip: Never move the bombilla around — it will clog the filter with fine mate particles.

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Method 2: Loose Leaf (Tea Infuser)

No gourd? No problem. maTEA+ blends brew beautifully as loose leaf tea — making it easy to enjoy at home, at the office, or on the go.

1. Add 1–2 teaspoons (3–5g) of maTEA+ to a tea infuser or French press
2. Pour water at 75–80°C over the infuser
3. Steep for 3–5 minutes (adjust to taste — longer = stronger)
4. Remove the infuser and enjoy. Refill 2–3 times with the same leaves.

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Method 3: Cold Brew (Tereré)

In Paraguay and Brazil, Yerba Mate is also enjoyed cold — called “tereré.” This is perfect for warm days.

1. Fill a glass or gourd with 10–15g of maTEA+
2. Pour cold water or fruit juice over the leaves
3. Drink immediately through a bombilla or strain through a fine sieve

💡 The Verry Berry blend is especially delicious as a cold brew — the berry flavors shine with cold water.

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How Much Yerba Mate Per Serving?

One serving uses approximately 10–15g of Yerba Mate. A 100g pack of maTEA+ gives you 6–10 full servings, each brewable 5–15 times. That makes Yerba Mate incredibly cost-effective compared to coffee or single-use tea bags.

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Ready to Start Brewing?

Pick up your first maTEA+ blend and start your Yerba Mate journey today.