Traditional Style using a Gourd & Bombilla

1. Fill the mate cup (gourd) with Taragui yerba mate up to about 3/4 full.
2. Cover the gourd with your hand, and turn it upside down. Shake it so that the smaller leaf particles go to the top.
3. Pour a small amount of luke-warm water over the leaves.
4. Let stand a few seconds, and insert the bombilla (metal or bamboo straw) firmly until it touches the bottom of the gourd. Keep in place at all times, and do not move even when sipping.
5. Pour hot (70 C approx, but never boiling) water on the leaves and sip the infusion through the bombilla. This is the most efficient way of extracting the beneficial properties of the mate.

Using a coffee plunger or tea pot

Yerba mate can be brewed to your personal taste. One of the best ways to do this is to try the loose leaf mate in a coffee plunger or tea pot.
We suggest 1 - 2 level tablespoons of yerba mate per 500 ml of water for a mild taste, or 3-4 tablespoons for a stronger flavour.
Put the desired amount of yerba mate into your pot, and pour almost-boiling water over and allow to draw (or steep) for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste, and add milk or soymilk for kids.

Curing your gourd or mate

Before you use your new gourd or mate for the first time, we strongly recommend that you cure the gourd before use, which also protects the wood or calabaza from cracking, and ensures a long life.
To cure the mate, fill 3/4 full with yerba, and pour hot water over the leaves and fill to the top. Leave for 48 hours, rinse quickly and repeat the process.
Never use detergent with the mate. After use, remove the yerba, and rinse quickly with cold water. Over time a dark lining or protective coating will appear inside mate, and the full flavour of the yerba will be realised.
Make sure that the mate is not stored in direct sunlight, and if you intend to leave for prolonged periods, ensure that it is dry, and stored in a dry cool place.

.... and be sure to use Taragui premium quality yerba mate, to bring you the smooth authentic taste of Latin America.

Tips on using Taragui tea bags

Allow one Taragui tea bag per cup. Pour freshly boiled water and let steep for 4-5 minutes before serving. Delicious if sweetened with honey or sugar.
Taragui yerba mate can also be enjoyed cold in summer, adding ice, orange, lemon or any fruit juice.
Also try Taragui yerba mate with a dash of milk or soymilk and honey. That makes it a tasty treat for kids to enjoy.