November 30: National Mate Day
5 key tips to pay the best tribute to the quintessential infusion of Argentinians.
The National Mate Day is not just any celebration in the national territory. This infusion is the most consumed by Argentines, who drink more liters of mate than water per person throughout the country. This commemoration is held in honor of the birth of the leader Andrés Guacurarí, the only indigenous governor in Argentine history who promoted the production and distribution of yerba mate. Today, this star of family and friends gatherings is part of Argentine customs and DNA, deserving its corresponding distinction. A companion for study nights, this strange infusion in the eyes of others is already part of our culture and folklore.
But this national emblem requires special preparation and care to be able to drink it and share it with loved ones. Midea, manufacturer of electric kettles to heat the water for your mate, advises 5 tips to achieve ideal preparation:
1) Pay attention to the water temperature: To prepare ideal mates, the water temperature should be kept between 70 to 80°C. The water should not be lukewarm or allowed to boil.
2) Do not fill the mate to the top with yerba: The ideal is to place the yerba in the mate until it reaches only three-quarters full. Some people prefer it bitter, others sweet; that is up to each person's choice.
3) Very important! Remove the dust from the yerba: To achieve this, it is recommended to cover the mouth of the mate with one hand, invert it, and shake it for a few seconds. This allows you to get rid of the dust that the yerba brings. Additionally, this allows the yerba to lean against one of the walls of the mate and create a small hole.
4) When placing the warm water, do so in the created hole: Pouring the warm water allows the yerba not to burn. Then it is recommended not to drink it directly but to let it rest for a moment and place the straw in the hole.
5) Essential, do not move the straw: After these steps, you can now serve and enjoy the perfect mate. A golden rule is to not move the straw and always serve in the same spot. This movement allows the yerba not to get completely wet and to enjoy this national emblem for a longer time.