Introduction:

Mate cocido is a traditional South American drink that provides the rich flavors of yerba mate in the familiar format of a tea bag. If you’re new to mate cocido or looking for information on which yerba mate brands to choose, this guide will help you get started on your mate cocido journey. We’ll explore the different yerba mate grinds, provide a list of reputable brands known for producing high-quality mate cocido, and even show you how to make your own mate cocido tea bags.

Choosing the Right Yerba Mate Grind:

The first step in making mate cocido is selecting the right yerba mate grind. There are three common grinds you can choose from:

  1. Coarse Grind (Gruesa): Coarse grind mate contains larger leaves and stems, offering a milder flavor suitable for those who prefer a smoother taste.

  2. Medium Grind (Con Palo): Medium grind mate includes a mix of leaves, stems, and some fine particles. It provides a balanced flavor and is widely used for making mate cocido.

  3. Fine Grind (Sin Palo): Fine grind mate is composed of smaller, finer leaves with no stems, resulting in a bold and robust flavor. It’s a great choice if you prefer a stronger mate cocido.

Selecting the Yerba Mate Brand:

Choosing a reputable yerba mate brand is crucial to ensure the quality and flavor of your mate cocido. Here are some renowned brands known for producing great mate cocido:

  1. Taragüi: Taragüi is a well-established Argentine brand offering a variety of mate cocido options. They provide different grinds and flavors to cater to a range of tastes.

  2. Cruz de Malta: Cruz de Malta is another Argentine brand known for its consistent quality. They produce mate cocido suitable for both traditional mate and mate cocido tea.

  3. Amanda: Amanda is a respected Argentine brand with a reputation for a smooth, balanced blend in their mate cocido.

  4. La Merced: La Merced is another Argentine brand that offers high-quality mate cocido, available in both traditional and flavored options.

  5. Rosamonte: Rosamonte is known for its strong, full-bodied flavor, making it a favorite among mate enthusiasts for making mate cocido.

  6. Canarias: Canarias is a Uruguayan brand famous for its distinctive, rich flavor. They offer convenient mate cocido tea bags for those who prefer them.

  7. Campesino: Campesino is a Paraguayan yerba mate brand that provides various mate cocido grinds and flavors to cater to different preferences.

Making Your Own Mate Cocido Tea Bags:

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can make your own mate cocido tea bags. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

  1. Yerba mate of your choice
  2. Empty tea bags or disposable tea filter bags
  3. Optional flavorings (e.g., mint leaves, citrus peel)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the yerba mate: Measure the desired amount of yerba mate leaves, typically around 1 to 2 teaspoons, for each tea bag. If you want to add flavorings, include a small amount of dried mint leaves or citrus peel to the yerba mate.

  2. Fill the tea bag: Open an empty tea bag or use a tea infuser or filter bag. Place the measured yerba mate leaves and any optional flavorings inside the bag or infuser.

  3. Seal the bag: If using an empty tea bag, seal it with a sealing device, a heat sealer, or simply tie a knot at the end of the bag to keep the yerba mate inside.

  4. Boil water: Heat water to the appropriate temperature, typically around 150-160°F (65-70°C).

  5. Steep the mate cocido: Place the sealed tea bag with yerba mate into a cup or teapot. Pour the hot water over the tea bag and let it steep for about 3-5 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time to your taste preference.

  6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the tea bag or infuser from the cup. You can sweeten your mate cocido with sugar or honey if you prefer. Some people enjoy it with a slice of lemon or a touch of milk, although it’s typically consumed plain.

Conclusion:

Making mate cocido is a delightful way to experience the flavors of yerba mate in a familiar tea format. Whether you choose to purchase pre-made mate cocido or make your own tea bags, selecting the right grind and a reputable brand is essential to ensure a satisfying mate cocido experience. Try different brands and blends to find the one that resonates with your palate, and enjoy the rich and vibrant world of mate cocido.