How to Make Yerba Mate in a French Press

By
Lindsey Goodwin
Lindsey Goodwin
Lindsey Goodwin is a food writer and tea consultant with more than 12 years of experience exploring tea production and culture.
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Updated on 02/8/23
Heap Of Yerba Mate
Jamesmcq24/Getty Images
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Total: 9 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
0 Calories
0g Fat
0g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 10mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This recipe for yerba mate tea is made in a French press. Just like coffee and tea, yerba mate's flavor profile changes depending on how you brew it. Some prefer cold-brewed yerba mate, and some like the convenience of a yerba mate tea bag or the flavor of a yerba mate latte brewed with milk, and yet others prefer the classic way of brewing yerba mate with a gourd and a filter-tipped straw.

However, an increasing number of people are using French presses for convenience and a different yerba mate flavor profile. If you're interested in French press yerba mate preparation, simply follow these instructions.

For more about what yerba mate is, see the information after the directions below.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons yerba mate

  • 16 ounces simmering water, about 150 F

Steps to Make It

  1. Place your yerba mate into the filter of the French press.

  2. Slowly pour water over the yerba mate, allowing it to soak in and pass through the filter as you go.

  3. Brew for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on desired strength.

  4. Depress the plunger into the filter pot. Serve.

Note: Alternatively, you can use a larger French press and a ratio of 1 tablespoon yerba mate per 8 ounces water.

All About Yerba Mate

Yerba mate (yer-bah mah-tay) leaves are from a species of the holly tree cultivated for centuries in South America. It is touted to have the strength of coffee, the benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate all in one beverage. 

Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world—coffee, tea, kola nut, cocoa, guarana, and yerba mate—it is considered to be the most balanced, delivering both energy and nutrition. The rainforest people, in particular, the Aché Guayaki tribe, sip yerba mate from a traditional mate gourd for its rejuvenating effects. In fact, it can be found in various energy drinks on the market today.

The flavor of brewed mate resembles an infusion of vegetables, herbs, and grass and is reminiscent of some varieties of green tea.