Traditional Preparation
The essential elements:
• Mate Gourd (Calabaza): A hollow container made from a dried calabash gourd
• Bombilla: A metal straw with a filter at the bottom to strain the leaf particles
• Yerba Mate Leaves: Dried, chopped leaves and stems of the Ilex paraguariensis plant
The Mate Ritual
The traditional serving process:
1. Fill the gourd about 2/3 full with yerba
2. Tilt to create a "mountain" of yerba on one side
3. Add cool water to moisten the yerba (70-80°C/160-175°F - never boiling)
4. Insert the bombilla and add hot water
5. Pass clockwise after each refill
6. Say "gracias" when you're finished