How to prepare a Matecito
How to prepare Mate Cocido
The Ritual
How to prepare a Matecito
Discover the traditional ritual of preparing yerba mate, the beloved drink from the Cono Sur of South America. In this video, we show you, step by step, how to prepare yerba mate the right way: from filling the calabaza and shaking the yerba to pouring the water and sharing.
Supplies
Mate-cup
Mate is traditionally drunk from a calabaza (dried gourd) or a wooden cup. These natural materials add character and require care for hygienic daily use. We offer a stainless steel mate: durable, tasteless, and easy to clean.
Yerba
The dried and finely chopped leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis. Traditionally, 30–50 grams of yerba are used. With 10–15 grams, you can experience the flavour and ritual, and discover which strength suits you best.
Bombilla
The metal straw with a filter at the bottom, which allows you to drink the mate without sucking up the leaves.
Water temperature
Keep the water from boiling. The ideal temperature is between 70°C and 75°C. Water that is too hot will burn the yerba, impart a bitter taste, and be hot to drink.
Preparing a matecito
1. Fill the mate cup with yerba
Fill the mate cup about three-quarters full with Matecito Yerba Mate. Place your hand firmly over the opening, turn the cup upside down, and shake gently two or three times. Turn the cup upside down and place it at a 45° angle. Form a mound (montañita) on one side. Use the lower end as a pouring point.
2. Activate the yerba with lukewarm water
Tilt the mate cup and pour a small amount of lukewarm water into the lowest part. Let the yerba steep for about a minute. The leaves will become moist and expand, releasing a full flavour. The mound of yerba on the higher side will remain dry, allowing you to pour multiple times without the water stripping the yerba of all its flavour at once.
3. Place the bombilla and pour it with water 70-75°C
Now insert the bombilla into the moistened, lower part of the yerba, along the side, all the way to the bottom. Slide the bombilla’s filter under the mound at the bottom. Then slowly pour the warm water into the exact spot where you just poured the lukewarm water. Fill only to the brim of the wet part; this will keep the mound dry for future rounds.
Let the water steep for a few seconds, set the cup upright, and enjoy your first sip of Matecito.
Best regards!
When learning the ritual, always be careful with the water temperature.
