The ritual surrounding this infusion is as important as its flavor itself. What you should take into account when washing the bulb, in the note.
Prepare a good mate It is an art and a tradition in several South American countries, especially in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and parts of Brazil. Among the various recommendations to achieve a better infusion, the correct cleaning of the mate bulb is essential.
The light bulb It must be clean before use, otherwise it may become clogged. For this, it is advisable to clean it after each use, but there are also other aspects to take into account to avoid obstruction. For example, it is not advisable to stir the yerba once you have prepared the mate, since it is likely that some particles will clog the holes in the metal object.
How to clean the mate bulb
Keeping the mate bulb clean is important for hygiene and the quality of the infusion. Residue accumulated in the utensil can affect the flavor of the infusion, in addition to reducing the useful life of the bulb. Additionally, when in contact with saliva and yerba mate, it can accumulate bacteria and mold if not cleaned regularly.
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There are various methods to clean the bulb. In this case, you will need sodium bicarbonate, a pot and water. You must perform the following steps:
- Place the bulb in a pot and cover it with water.
- Add three tablespoons of baking soda.
- Bring the pot to a boil and let it boil for about 15 minutes.
- Tip: You can add lemon slices for a deeper cleaning.
- Once you have boiled the water with the bulb, use a brush suitable for bulbs and insert it to remove any grass residue that may be trapped. Also, you can tap it gently to uncover it.
If you don’t have baking soda, you can replace it with vinegar and perform the same cleaning procedure. This ingredient found in most kitchens will help dissolve blockages resulting from the accumulation of sediment and yerba mate remains.
How to make a good mate
Prepare a good mate It requires practice and attention to detail. We share some tips that can help you improve your technique and enjoy this infusion.
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- Choose quality weed: Choosing a good yerba mate is essential. It is advisable to look for brands you trust and herbs that suit your taste, since there are softer, stronger varieties, with additional herbs, etc.
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Heat the thermos: If you are using a thermos to keep water warm, you can preheat it before pouring water into it. This will help maintain the proper temperature for longer.
- Moisten the grass: It is recommended that before priming the first mate, you moisten the yerba with a little warm water to avoid burning it with the already hot water.
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Control the water temperature: Avoid using boiling water, as it can make the mate bitter. The ideal temperature is between 70 °C and 80 °C.
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Don’t let the grass dry out: Try to keep the grass moist throughout the process. You can do this by gradually adding water as you drink mate. This will prevent the herb from having a bad taste.
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Adjust the amount of weed: The amount of weed you use will depend on your personal taste. Some people prefer a milder mate, while others enjoy a more intense flavor.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
