Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Now Available: Mate and Bombillas!


Like the boina Vasca, bombillas and mate gourds are the ultimate symbols of the gaucho (and enjoying yerba mate is one of mine favorite pastimes). 


The original, Argentine made, mate's and bombillas are now available through our on-line shop, click here
Two models are available: the traditional, standard hollowed out gourd and the beautifully gourds covered in leather with woven fabric and an aluminium rim.
The traditional method of preparing yerba mate:
This requires a "mate" (natural gourd) and a "bombilla" (filter straw). Do not use very hot or boiling water with a metal bombilla straw.
Yerba mate preparation, Step 1Fill the mate gourd to two-thirds full with yerba mate.
Yerba mate preparation, Step 2Accomodate the yerba mate on one side of the mate gourd, leaving a hollow area on the other side.
Yerba mate preparation, Step 3Add a little cold water into the hollow area you have created. Add just enough water so as to not moisten the very top of the yerba mate.
Yerba mate preparation, Step 4Leave the mate gourd tilted for a few minutes until the yerba mate has absorbed the water.
Yerba mate preparation, Step 5Cover the mouth of the bombilla with your thumb, and insert the filtered end to the bottom of themate gourd in the hollow area.
Yerba mate preparation, Step 6Add hot (150 degrees F) water to the hollow area until it reaches just below the top of the yerba mate, and you have your first prepared drink! Sip all the tea from the mate gourd, and add more hot water. Add water, sip, repeat. Got it? The first few drinks are strong; the flavor will weaken as more water is added for each drink. Replace the yerba mate as needed.

2 comments:

  1. I always wondered about this Yerba Mate the crazy Argentinians drank? My good Argentinian friend Anahi told me of this drink back in 1998 and quite franky Daan, IF it were not for your detailed illustration here i still would be clueless as to it's modus operendi LOL,LOL,LOL!!!

    Us Basques just stick to the basics:

    http://www.basquecenter.com/photo.asp

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  2. I always wondered about this Yerba Mate the crazy Argentinians drank? My good Argentinian friend Anahi told me of this drink back in 1998 and quite frankly Daan, IF it were not for your detailed illustration here i still would be clueless as to it's modus operendi LOL,LOL,LOL!!!

    Us Basques just stick to the basics:

    http://www.basquecenter.com/photo.asp

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete