cure the mate
25/07/2023
It is important to note that the meanings of mate can vary depending on regional customs and personal preferences. Each person and each group of friends or relatives can interpret and appreciate the mate in a unique way. In any case, mate continues to be a symbol of friendship, union and culture in Argentina, creating unforgettable moments and strengthening ties between the people who share it.
How to prepare a good mate?
Preparing a good mate is a valued and respected skill in Argentine culture. Beyond being a simple drink, the proper preparation of mate implies care, attention and knowledge of the gaucho tradition. The importance of preparing a good mate lies in several key aspects that guarantee a rewarding and authentic experience:
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Authentic Flavor and Aroma: A good mate is characterized by its distinctive flavor and aroma. The proper choice of yerba mate, the temperature of the water and the quality of the gourd and bombilla directly influence the flavor of the infusion. Preparing the mate with care allows you to enjoy an authentic and characteristic flavor that reflects the true essence of this cultural tradition.
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Share and Connect: Preparing a good mate is a gesture of hospitality and friendship. Sharing the mate with friends, family or co-workers creates a space for connection and camaraderie. Mate is a shared drink, and its careful preparation shows respect and affection for those who enjoy it with us.
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Ritual and Tradition: The process of preparing and drinking mate is part of a ritual rooted in Argentine culture. Each barley is a moment of pause and meeting, where stories, laughter and emotions are shared. The proper preparation of the mate respects this ancestral tradition, transmitting the values and identity of the gaucho culture from generation to generation.
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Full Experience: A good mate offers a full and satisfying experience. Well-cured pumpkin and the right bombilla allow you to enjoy your brew without worrying about leaks or off-flavors. The temperature of the water influences the taste and how the flavors of the yerba are extracted, which makes each mate unique and special.
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Wellness and Benefits: In addition to the cultural value, mate also offers benefits for well-being. Its antioxidant and vitamin content makes it a healthy and stimulating drink. Preparing a good mate guarantees that these healthy properties are fully used, contributing to physical and emotional well-being.
In summary, preparing a good mate is a way of honoring the gaucho tradition and culture, sharing special moments with those around us. The careful and respectful preparation guarantees an authentic flavor and a full experience that transcends the purely liquid. Preparing a good mate is more than a process; it is an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich Argentine identity and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Steps to prepare a good mate
Pouring the water into the bombilla is a technique known as "priming the bombilla" and is a fundamental part of the Argentine mate ritual. The importance of this action lies in several key aspects that influence the quality of the infusion and the experience of sharing the mate:
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Improves the taste of mate: When priming the bombilla, the grass is moistened directly in the area where the bombilla is located. This allows the yerba to expand and gradually release its characteristic flavors. By priming the bombilla, a more uniform extraction of the components of the yerba is achieved, which contributes to obtaining a mate with a balanced and full flavor.
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Avoid washing the matte: By priming the bombilla instead of pouring water directly into the mate, you avoid washing the yerba and dragging its properties and flavors. Washing the mate could remove the essential components that provide flavor and health benefits. By priming the bombilla, the yerba remains intact in the mate and its qualities are preserved.
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Matte intensity control: By adding water directly into the bombilla, the "primer" has greater control over the strength of the brew. If a softer mate is desired, the bombilla can be primed for less time; if a more intense matte is preferred, it can be primed for a little longer. This flexibility allows you to customize the experience according to the tastes of each person.
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Share the mate equally: By priming the bombilla, the mate is distributed more equitably among the participants. By maintaining a constant water level, each person can enjoy a brew that is similar in taste and temperature. This encourages equality and camaraderie in the ritual of sharing the mate.
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Ritual and tradition: The act of priming the bombilla is part of the ritual and tradition of Argentine mate. It is a gesture of courtesy and friendship towards those who share the mate, showing respect and attention to the other. By priming the bombilla, social ties are strengthened and an atmosphere of camaraderie is created around mate.
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Selection of yerba mate: Choose a quality yerba that meets your taste and aroma preferences. To get started, check the expiration date and make sure the container is tightly sealed to maintain the freshness of the weed.
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Prepare the pumpkin: Before first use, cure the gourd by following the curing steps above. Wash the gourd with warm water and a soft brush to remove any dust or debris that may have remained on the surface. Then, place it upside down to dry completely.
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Shake the grass: Before placing the yerba in the mate, gently shake it in the package to remove any dust that may have accumulated and clog the bombilla. This will allow the weed to flow freely through the bombilla without obstruction.
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Fill the mate with yerba: Fill the mate about two-thirds full with yerba mate. Tilt the mate at about a 45 degree angle to form a small mound of yerba on one side of the mate.
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Moisten the grass: With the bombilla still out of the mate, pour warm (not boiling) water over the mound of yerba until moist. Then, let it rest for a few seconds so that the yerba absorbs the water.
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Place the bulb: Once the yerba has absorbed the water, place the bombilla in the hole in the yerba mound. Make sure that the bombilla is well inserted and does not touch the bottom of the mate, to avoid obstructions when sipping.
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Avoid washing the mate: Instead of pouring water directly into the mate to wash it, use the primer priming technique. Pour warm water into the bombilla until it is flush, not covering the mouth of the bombilla. Then, gently tilt the mate so that the water moistens the yerba without reaching the mouth of the bombilla.
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First prime: With the first priming, the mate is ready to be enjoyed. Drink slowly through the bombilla, allowing the yerba to expand and release its characteristic flavors. The first barley is usually the most intense and bitter, but as more barleys are made, the mate will become smoother and more balanced.
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Keep the grass dry: After each priming, it is important to keep the yerba dry to avoid mold and bad flavors. To do so, gently tap the mate to remove excess water and then tilt the bombilla into the hole in the yerba mound to allow air to circulate and dry naturally.
Once you have completed these steps, your gourd mate will be properly cured and ready to be used. Remember that this process helps to seal the pores of the pumpkin, avoiding leaks and improving the flavor of the infusion. Enjoy your mate with the certainty that it is adequately prepared to give you an authentic and satisfying experience. To share the mate with friends and family in true Argentine tradition!
Meanings of mate
Argentine mate is a drink loaded with meaning and symbolism, and certain aspects such as temperature, sweetness and other details can add special nuances to the shared experience. Here are some of the most common meanings of mate according to these aspects:
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Water temperature:
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Hot mate: Hot mate represents the most deeply rooted tradition and is the most common way to enjoy it. It symbolizes the warmth and hospitality of the host who offers a freshly prepared mate to his guests. It can also represent the connection with the earth and nature, since the hot mate is ideal for cold days and moments of introspection.
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Cold mate or tereré: Cold mate, known as tereré in some regions of Argentina, is ideal for hot summer days. It symbolizes freshness, relaxation and friendship shared under the sun. Drinking tereré in the company of friends is a gesture of camaraderie and fun in moments of leisure.
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Sweetness of the mate:
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Bitter mate: Bitter mate is the most traditional way to enjoy it, where the yerba is brewed without sugar. It symbolizes the authenticity and purity of the matte experience. Drinking bitter mate can reflect a connection to cultural roots and an appreciation for the very essence of the drink.
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Sweet mate: The mate sweetened with sugar or some other sweetener symbolizes the sweetness of friendship and affection. It is common for some people to sweeten the mate to provide a gesture of affection and care for their guests. You can also express a desire to create a smoother, more enjoyable mate experience for those unaccustomed to the bitter taste.
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Priming time:
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Long Mate: A mate that has been brewed for a long time can reflect the generosity and willingness of the brewer to share the brew with others. It is a gesture that denotes attention and concern for the well-being of the guests, making sure that everyone enjoys enough barley.
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Short mate: On the other hand, a mate that has been primed more quickly can symbolize the efficiency and dynamism of the primer. In some cases, this may reflect a more informal and relaxed environment, where there is not as much attention paid to the detail of each barley.
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It is important to note that the meanings of mate can vary depending on regional customs and personal preferences. Each person and each group of friends or relatives can interpret and appreciate the mate in a unique way. In any case, mate continues to be a symbol of friendship, union and culture in Argentina, creating unforgettable moments and strengthening ties between the people who share it.
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A good matero bag is resistant, practical, well designed and with traditional details. It is an essential piece for any gaucho who loves and respects our customs and our identity, keeping the flame of mate alive in each of our meetings. So now you know, don't forget your matero bag on your wanderings through the Argentine pampas!
