Preparation Guides & Recipes

• How to Brew Hot Maté with a Yerba Maté Tea Bag
• How to Brew Hot Maté in a French Press
• How to Brew Hot Maté in a Tea Ball
• How to Brew Hot Maté in a Coffee Maker
• How to Brew Hot Maté in an Espresso Machine
• How to Enjoy Maté the Traditional Way
• How to Prepare Tereré: A Refreshing Summer Treat
• Throw and Go! - Iced Yerba Maté
• Yerba Maté Blueberry Bliss - Iced Yerba Maté

1. Place an EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté Tea Bag in an empty mug.
2. Moisten tea bag with cool water.
3. Fill mug with 170 F water (never boiling).
4. Steep 5 minutes and remove tea bag.

To make a stronger cup of maté, use 2 or more tea bags. Do not brew longer than 5 minutes, as tea quality diminishes with over-steeping.

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1. Pour 1-3 tablespoons of EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté Loose Tea into a French press.
2. Moisten herb with cool water.
3. Add other herbs for flavor or health benefits if desired.
4. Fill French press with 170 F water (never boiling).
5. Steep 5 minutes and plunge.

To make a stronger cup of maté, use more yerba maté. Do not brew longer than 5 minutes, as tea becomes bitter with over-steeping.

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1. Fill tea ball with EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté Loose Tea.
2. Moisten tea ball with cool water.
3. Fill mug with 170 F (never boiling) water.
4. Steep 5 minutes and remove tea ball.

Do not brew longer than 5 minutes, as tea becomes bitter with over-steeping.

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1. Thoroughly clean coffee pot and filter basket to remove coffee oils.
2. Place a filter in the coffee basket.
3. Add one heaping tablespoon of EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté Loose Tea per 2 cups of water.
4. Moisten basket of loose yerba maté with cool water.
5. Follow brew instructions for your coffee machine, just like you would for coffee.

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1. Pour 2 tablespoons of EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté Loose Tea into a mug.
2. Add enough cool water to make a loose "slurry."
3. Spoon yerba maté "slurry" into the espresso machine's portofilter and pack it in lightly.
4. Make a shot of green espresso for use in "matte lattes," "green granitas," etc.

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This is the traditional way to enjoy maté. It is a strong, invigorating brew, and it is best shared with a small group of friends. The person who prepares and serves the maté is called the cebador. Traditionally, he or she is the only person who pours the water, passes the maté around, and maintains the freshness of the herb.

And remember, it is necessary to cure your maté gourd before use. This process removes the bitter gourd taste from the vessel.

To Be a Good Cebador:

• Fill a thermos with 170 F water (never boiling!).
• Fill a maté vessel 2/3 with EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté.
• Tap the herb to one side of the gourd to create a pit.
• Pour cool water into the pit.
• Insert a bombilla into the pit.
• Pour a small sip of hot water from the thermos into the pit, right over the bombilla's head.
• Test this "first pour" to make sure that the temperature is right-not too hot or cold-and that the bombilla is flowing well.
• Do not flood the gourd - the top of the herb should stay dry as she pours into the pit.
• Pass the gourd in a circle, allowing each participant to sip until the bombilla gurgles before receiving it for a fresh pour.
• Gracefully maintain a slow, steady rhythm and a fixed order so that each participant receives enough maté.
• Gracefully discourage people from stirring the maté with the bombilla, as this often leads to clogging.
• Refresh the herb when it runs out of flavor.
• Maintain a steady supply of hot water.

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Tereré is a refreshing summer treat. It is more popular than hot maté in tropical South America. You can prepare tereré just like hot maté, but use flavored iced water instead of hot. Generally, it is better to use a small glass or metal cup instead of a maté gourd, as the flavored water will seep into natural gourds.

1. Fill a pitcher with water and ice.
2. Add agave syrup, maple syrup, or unrefined cane sugar to taste.
3. Squeeze a fresh lime or two into the pitcher. (Organic bottled lemonade or limeade can be used instead.)
4. Fill a small glass or metal cup with EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté.
5. Insert a bombilla.
6. Pour sips of ice-cold, sweet limey water right over the bombilla's head.
7. Share, Sip, and Refresh!

For dramatic effect and culinary delight, try using a coconut, a hollowed-out grapefruit, or even a packed snowball!

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You're never too busy to enjoy the healing benefits of EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté. This easy recipe is designed for busy folks en route to their next big accomplishment.

1. Insert an EcoTeas Organic Yerba Maté Tea Bag into a bottle of chilled spring water.
2. Put the cap back on the bottle.
3. Set the bottle atop your desk or in your car's beverage holder for ten minutes.
4. Watch as the water turns a brilliant shade of green. (These are yerba maté's naturally occurring polyphenol antioxidants and chlorophyll dissolving into the cold water.)
5. Add a squeeze of fresh lime and/or a dollop of agave if desired.

This natural energy beverage is full of nutrition and antioxidants, but light on tannin.

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This summer smoothie is full of antioxidants and natural energy. It's the perfect eye-opener for sultry summer mornings.

1. Brew a shot of "green espresso" or a strong cup of maté and set aside. (Another option is to prepare a large batch of sun maté and keep it refrigerated for immediate use when needed.)
2. Place a handful of ice cubes into a blender.
3. Pour the green espresso into the blender over the ice cubes.
4. Add a slice of fresh ginger root.
5. Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries.
6. Add 1/4 cup of plain yogurt.
7. Blend until smooth.
8. Pour into a cup and wake up happy.

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