How to make Maté and Maté Cocido

Introduce the different ways to drink yerba mate: traditional gourd, maté cocido in a pot, and using a French press.

Show the traditional gourd and explain the need to cure it before use.

Demonstrate filling the gourd with yerba mate to about two-thirds full.

Add cold water to the gourd and let it sit for a minute to expand the leaves.

Suck the water out of the gourd and spit it out, explaining that it can be drunk cold if desired.

Heat water in a kettle, stopping just before it boils, and prepare to pour it into the gourd.

Add sugar to the yerba mate in the gourd before pouring hot water on top.

Drink from the gourd, explaining to be careful with the hot water.

Pass the gourd to the next person, explaining the social aspect of sharing maté.

Demonstrate how to make maté cocido in a pot by heating water and adding yerba mate.

Use three tablespoons of yerba mate for each cup of water, adjusting to taste.

Stop heating the water just before it fully boils to preserve flavor.

Let the mixture sit after turning off the heat to steep.

Equipment Needed

Dietary