The Yerba Mate Gourd
” Learn About The Traditional Yerba Mate Drinking Gourd”
Some people drink yerba mate as a weight loss drink; others enjoy it for its more esoteric properties. Some studies have reported that it has cancer-fighting properties.
The drink is traditionally prepared in a gourd part-filled with yerba, with hot water added (usually at 70–80 °C/160–180 °F – never boiling). An important part of the yerba preparation ritual is to arrange the yerba inside the gourd before the water is poured in.
Typically, one-half to three-quarters of the gourd is filled with yerba. Other herbs may be added as extra flavor or to give additional health benefits.
Next the yerba mate gourd is picked up, the opening covered and loosely sealed with the one hand. It is then turned upside-down, and given a brief but vigorous shake. The movement should be gradually slowed down in order to allow the yerba’s most fine, powdery particles to rise towards the top of the gourd.
The gourd is then tilted until it is almost on its side, the opening raised slightly higher than the base. It is then shaken, in a side to side movement, very gently. This layers the yerba along one side of the gourd.
The yerba mate gourd is then settled back onto its base and the straw is inserted before the brewing process can begin, and you can then enjoy your delicious hot drink!
