Yerba Mate, Traditional Etiquette and Customs

In a traditional Mate sharing, the host usually pours the hot water and serves up the cup. Generally the host will take the first “infusion” or cup of hot water and finish it (you should be able to hear the air coming through the bombilla), then the host will pour another “infusion” and offer it to the next person.

When that person is done he hands it back to the host. The person only says “Thank You/Gracias” when they do not want another infusion.

The bombilla is not to be touched by anyone other than the host – it is not to stirred, but if the flavor becomes “lavado” or washed, then the host may adjust the bombilla but placing his or her thumb over the top to trap the air, pull the bombilla completely our and re-inserting the bombilla on the other side of the cup. If the flavor is completely gone the mate should be replaced with fresh Yerba Mate.

Some may worry that such an intimate sharing is unsanitary. It probably is, so go native, go traditional but do it at your own risk. Yerba Mate traditional setting is not for your average germ-a-phobic. If you are worried, check out the tea-bag version or mate cocido.

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