Enjoy Mate the Traditional Way

Traditional mate is a strong, invigorating brew. It is best shared with a small group of friends or family. The person who prepares and serves the mate is called the cebador (say-ba-door). Traditionally, the cebador is the only person who pours the water, passes the gourd around, and maintains the freshness of the herb.

Remember, it's necessary to cure your mate gourd before use. This process removes the bitter gourd taste from the vessel.

To Be a Good Cebador:

• Fill a thermos with 150 F water (never boiling!).
• Fill a mate vessel 2/3 with EcoTeas Organic Yerba Mate.
• 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 you pour water into the pit.
• Pass the gourd to one person at a time, allowing each participant to sip until the bombilla gurgles.
• Gracefully maintain a slow, steady rhythm and a fixed order so that each participant receives enough mate.
• Gracefully discourage people from stirring the mate 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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