Why Does My Mate Taste Bitter?
The most common reasons for bitter mate are water that is too hot, too much fine powder in the yerba and, with wood or calabash, a mate that was not cured.
The water is too hot
Boiling water burns the yerba and turns it bitter. Use hot water, not boiling, and let it rest a moment before pouring.
Too much powder
Fine dust clogs the bombilla and adds bitterness. Shake the mate with your hand over the opening so the powder rises, then tilt it.
The mate was not cured
A new wooden or calabash mate can give a woody or bitter taste until it is cured. Our curing guide explains how.
The yerba is tired
After many refills the yerba loses flavor and the mate tastes flat or bitter. Empty it and start fresh.
Quick answers
What temperature should the water be?
Hot but not boiling. See our guide on water temperature.
Does a steel mate taste different?
No. Steel is neutral and does not need curing.
A stainless steel mate needs no curing, so it never adds a woody taste.
MATEAR Imperial Mate Kit, Stainless Steel Cup Wrapped in Handmade Leather, with Bombilla