Mate for beginners – uncovering the secrets

Preparing an infusion from dried Yerba Mate leaves may seem a bit complicated for beginners. Unfamiliar-sounding names like matero or bombilla may seem exotic, especially to those who have never had any contact with Yerba Mate before. The properties of this exceptional drink are truly invaluable, and brewing tea from the Paraguayan holly can be learned quickly. How do you start? Which Yerba Mate will bring the most enjoyment at the beginning? Discover that you’re only a few steps away from becoming a true mate lover!

Paraguayan holly – health properties

The health properties of Yerba Mate stimulate the nervous system, energising without causing irritability. Regular drinking of Yerba Mate lowers excessively high blood pressure on the one hand, and improves blood circulation on the other. It is also known that Yerba Mate infusion has a relaxing effect on muscles, giving a pleasant feeling of relaxation. People struggling with asthma should brew Yerba Mate, as it contains mateine (alkaloids with stimulating properties similar to caffeine or theine) that soothe the symptoms of this condition.

What health properties does Yerba Mate have? 

An infusion of Paraguayan holly leaves:

• has a positive effect on the nervous system,
• increases the ability to concentrate,
• lowers excessively high blood pressure,
• improves the functioning of the circulatory system,
• has a relaxing effect on muscles,
• reduces feelings of fatigue and hunger.

Which Yerba Mate should you choose to start with?

Yerba mate for beginners shouldn’t be too bitter, so as not to discourage you from drinking the infusion. Its taste depends mainly on the composition and quality of the dried leaves, and a bitter aftertaste often puts beginners off. Argentine yerba mate dried with hot air is characterised by a high proportion of leaves without stems or dust, which makes the flavour of the infusion intense with a pronounced bitterness. For a start, reach for a Yerba Mate that is 100% dried leaves and enjoy the mild, natural aroma of the infusion. The Yerba Mate Guide you’ll find at yerbador.com shows you several ways to get started with drinking Yerba Mate. Before preparing the infusion, it’s worth stocking up on the necessary accessories, which you’ll find in our shop.

Essential accessories for beginner mate drinkers

Paraguayan holly is best prepared in a vessel with the characteristic gourd shape. The dried leaves release their valuable properties at a brewing temperature of 70–80 degrees Celsius. A cup that narrows towards the top allows you to extract as much flavour as possible, and its thick walls help retain heat for longer. This vessel is called a matero and can be made of glazed clay or Palo Santo wood, which additionally flavours the drink. A special stainless steel straw-spoon fitted with a strainer, called a bombilla, separates the loose leaves from the infusion and allows you to sip Yerba Mate right from the bottom, savouring the deep flavour of the infusion.

The right accessories will help you brew the perfect Yerba Mate.

Put together a complete set including:

• matero – a gourd-shaped vessel made of glazed clay or Palo Santo wood on the inside and stainless steel on the outside;
• bombilla equipped with a strainer to separate the loose leaves from the infusion (filtering the infusion);
• a thermos for re-pouring water at the right temperature onto the dried leaves;
• optionally, a thermometer, which is helpful for beginner Yerba Mate enthusiasts.

Which Yerba Mate to start with?

The ideal Yerba Mate for beginners is dried leaves from Argentina. Yerba Mate dried with hot air itself usually appeals most to beginners. Over time, you may come to love the smoky aroma and flavoured varieties, and want to try other types of dried leaves. If you like the strong taste of energy drinks served hot, pour a larger amount of dried leaves into the gourd. For beginner mate drinkers who want to first gently experience the properties of Yerba Mate, we recommend an infusion with a mild flavour. An ideal suggestion to start with is 2–3 teaspoons of dried leaves, over which you should first pour cold water, then boiled water that has slightly cooled from the kettle.

Properties of Yerba Mate:a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants;reduces appetite;improves concentration;has a stimulating effect;lowers the risk of heart disease and reduces cholesterol levels;has a positive effect on libido;strengthens the immune system.

The Best Yerba Mate in Poland

If you like to set the bar high right from the start, begin your adventure with the best Yerba Mate in Poland. Our Yerba Mate is a great choice, delivering a solid dose of energy combined with a rich supply of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Organic Yerbador Mate is grown naturally in the Rio Grande do Sul region and meets strict standards. Another recommended product is the mild Brazilian Mate Green – it also works well for beginners and won’t put you off with too intense a flavour. You can start your Yerba Mate journey with it too.