Alexis · Fondateur d'YVY Maté
Mate's bitterness can put off many newcomers drawn by its virtues. Yet there are methods to reduce the bitterness of your brew.
In this article we'll see where mate's bitterness comes from - and how to soften it.
Choose the right yerba mate
Yerba mate leaves
Every yerba is different. These differences come from a multitude of factors: the farming method, altitude, sunlight, growing time, soil type, and so on.
You'll find more on the topic in our article on the different types of yerba mate. These differences affect the level of bitterness, the sweetness, and thus the final flavor of the brew.
If you're sensitive to bitterness and want a yerba with very little of it, we recommend pure-leaf yerbas - notably our organic green mate, or our organic 24-month aged mate for medium bitterness. For even more aroma, try our organic roasted mate.
Take the time to prepare your mate
Mate in a camionero gourd
The preparation method has a major impact on the bitterness of your brew. A badly prepared yerba can quickly turn intensely bitter, making the drink nearly undrinkable.
If you've read our article on mate preparation methods and your brew is still very bitter, let's look at the points that deserve close attention:
- The brewing temperature
- The brewing time
- The gourd preparation
If you prepare your yerba in a gourd, bitterness expresses itself differently. The amount of yerba being brewed is larger, so you'll need the right preparation method so the brewing happens gradually.
The risk, if it's your first time preparing yerba in a gourd, is botching the preparation - which brews the entire quantity of yerba in your gourd at once.
That's a mate that doesn't last and quickly turns very bitter. By comparison: brew 30 g of coffee for a 5 cl cup, and your coffee will be very short and very bitter.
How to prepare mate in a gourd
Lower the water temperature
Mate brewing temperature
The water temperature is a decisive factor. Water that's too hot will burn the leaves and release stronger bitterness. The hotter the water, the more bitter your drink.
We advise not exceeding 80°C. When the water starts to simmer, that's the sign it's at temperature!
You can of course adjust this temperature to your liking.
Adjust the brewing time
Brewing time is another leading factor in your brew's bitterness. It's important to distinguish between infusion-style preparation and gourd preparation.
When drinking your yerba mate as an infusion with our tea bags or your own infuser, we recommend brewing for at least 5 minutes. Beyond that, the longer you leave the bag, the more intense - and bitter - your infusion becomes.
When preparing your yerba in a gourd, once the preparation has gone well, you can add your water to the space (the well) you've formed.
Careful: unlike infusion-style brewing, you can drink your yerba mate right after adding the water. The longer you wait, the more bitter it gets!
Sweeten your mate
Sweetening mate to reduce bitterness
Beyond water temperature, brewing time and preparation, you can sweeten your drink with sugar or honey.
Simply add a dose of honey or sugar to taste, straight into your gourd. Some add the sugar to the well, others sprinkle it on the leaves - your call!
Flavor your mate
Flavoring mate to reduce bitterness
You can of course flavor your drink - and you're spoiled for choice!
In our shop you'll find mates we flavor ourselves with real dried fruits or flowers, with our tropical mate and lemon mate range.
But you can just as easily flavor it at home.
Several methods and recipes exist. You can add lemon or orange peel straight into your gourd. Dried fruits are also excellent for flavoring. You can even add flavored tea and blend it into your mate!
Not forgetting the Mint Mate, the most refreshing of the range.
