Mate is an infusion made with yerba mate leaves and is consumed especially in South American countries such as Argentina or Paraguay, where it has been declared a national drink. This drink has multiple health benefits, as it contains a high level of antioxidants and is rich in caffeine, which is why it gives energy and vitality to those who consume it.
However, what many do not know is that it is essential to properly cure the container where the infusion is to be consumed before preparing mate. On this container, called the same as the infusion, it will depend on whether the drink has one flavor or another and whether or not it retains its properties. Therefore, in this oneHOWTO article, we offer you a step-by-step guide on how to cure a mate.
What is curing a mate and which ones are cured
The expression “curing mate” is used when proceeding to clean the container where the drink is served. We could say that it is a highly recommended procedure before preparing mate, as it is carried out in order to eliminate vegetable fiber residues that may be found in the container and may alter the flavor of the infusion, as well as its multiple benefits and properties. .
Maté curing is carried out especially when said container has been made with pumpkin, because if the infusion is made, for example, in a wooden container, it is unlikely that the flavors will turn bitter on the palate.
exist multiple methods to perform this healing, which will vary depending on the country and if you want to prepare sweet or sour mate. Among the mattes that are cured are the horn or guampa, the antler, the pumpkin and the wood (where we can find carob mate, oak mate, etc.). On the other hand, metal, ceramic, glass, silicone and plastic mattes do not necessarily have to be cured, as they do not have residues inside that can alter the taste of the drink.
How to cure a wood matte
The best way to seal the pores of a wood mat is with the use of oil or any type of fatSince placing said organic substance in the container before starting to use it will lengthen its useful life.
In the same way, you can also wash the container before preparing mate and fill it with previously wet herbs so that the inside of the container is moistened. For this to work, you must ensure that the matte remains moist throughout 24 hours, so don’t stop wetting it with warm water.
If you have observed any sudden color change in your carob (or any other type of wood) matte, as well as the appearance of fungi, now is the time to learn how to cure a wood matte.
How to cure a pumpkin mate
The pumpkin mate is one of the most frequently consumed, so it is very likely that you have wondered how to cure a pumpkin mate correctly. When this curing is carried out, it is necessary to fill the entire container with wet yerba mate. Once the container has been completely lined, it should be filled with hot water and allowed to sit for twelve hours.
Once this time has passed, you will have to replace the yerba and carefully remove all the remains that remain inside the mate. It is an essential process, as it must be carried out at least 3-4 times before consuming the infusion again. After this time, you can prepare mate as you like.
How to cure a mate de palo santo
The first thing to do to learn how to cure a mate de palo santo is spread the inside of the container with butter (or any other type of fat) to avoid damaging this type of wood.
As with the other mattes, you must cover the container with moistened yerba and, later, fill it with hot water. This procedure should be done for three daysThis is the only way to ensure that the mate has the right flavor.
It should be noted that the herbs previously placed inside the container should not be discarded, as this will keep the container moist and hydrated and will prevent the taste of the infusion from becoming unpleasant. You may also be interested in this article on How to avoid acidity in mate.
Other ways to cure a mate
There are people who instead of curing mate with the traditional method mentioned, choose to substitute hot water for some whiskey before proceeding to prepare mate, since this drink gives a more unique flavor to the infusion. To carry out this procedure (especially common when it comes to preparing carob mate), you must also pass the container over fire; only then will your walls remain compact.
When the mate is sweet, you should add about three tablespoons of sugar, followed by a hot ember. Once it has been heated enough, you should proceed to cover the container, as this way the sugar will caramelize and easily adhere to the walls of the glass. Once these steps have been carried out, you can proceed with the healing with herbs for three days.
As we have mentioned, matte curing will also depend on the place you are in, as well as the type of matte you want to prepare.
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