Where to buy mate near me?

Mate is a traditional South American ingredient made from the dried leaves of the yerba mate plant. In cooking, it's used mainly for making a hot, infused beverage, but can also be used to flavor desserts, marinades, and even cocktails.

Mate can be used in teas, baked goods, ice creams, cocktails, smoothies, and savory marinades for meats.

Yes, mate can be brewed and cooled to make iced mate or used as an infusion in cold desserts and beverages.

Yes, mate leaves can be steeped several times. The flavor will become milder with each infusion.

You can brew a strong mate infusion and use it as a liquid ingredient for cakes or creams, or grind the leaves and add directly to batters and custards.

For traditional mate, you'll need a gourd (mate cup) and a bombilla (metal straw with filter). For culinary uses, no special equipment is needed.

The ideal water temperature is about 70–80°C (160–175°F). Avoid boiling water, as it can make mate taste bitter.

You can buy it now on the MasGusto! Latino Market App and get it delivered to your home as fast as tomorrow.

Fill a gourd two-thirds with yerba mate, tilt it, insert a bombilla (metal straw), and pour hot (not boiling) water over the leaves. Sip and refill as needed.

Mate leaves are best stored in a cool, dry, airtight container. Refrigeration isn't necessary unless you live in a very humid climate.

If stored properly in a sealed container away from light and moisture, mate can last up to 12 months.

Keep mate in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid exposure to heat or sunlight.

Finely ground mate can be used as a seasoning for meats or to add a unique herbal note to stews and sauces.

Yes, you can use a French press or tea infuser as alternatives to the traditional method.

You can buy it at MasGusto! Latino Market, www.masgusto.com.

Yes, some people enjoy mate sweetened with sugar, honey, or flavored syrups. Adding milk is less common, but it can be done to suit your taste.