Time to Read: 5 minutes
Quick Overview
A well-kept mate kit lasts for years. Natural gourds and wooden cups need curing before first use, and everything needs a good clean and proper drying to stay mold-free. Here is how to care for your gourd, bombilla, and yerba.
In this article, you'll learn:
- How to cure a new gourd
- How to clean your gourd and bombilla
- How to store your yerba
If your cup is glass, ceramic, or silicone, just give it a good wash before using it. Guampa cups should soak for 24 hours in a bowl of hot water and detergent first. But if your cup is a natural gourd or wood, it is important to cure it (“curar el mate”), a process that closes the pores to prevent mold and keep the wood or gourd from affecting the flavor.
How do you cure a new gourd?
Curing is simple and takes about a day. For a wooden or gourd cup:
- Fill the cup with boiling water, let it sit for 10 minutes, then empty it.
- Fill the gourd with used yerba and add warm water so it does not dry out, then leave it for 24 hours. Keeping it wet throughout is crucial. No used yerba? Soak fresh yerba in a cup of water for a couple of hours, then use it the same way.
- The next day, remove the yerba with a spoon and lightly scrape the interior.
- Repeat step 2.
- Rinse it and leave it to dry.
- Your gourd is ready to use.
How to clean your gourd
After each mate, empty it out as soon as possible to avoid mold. Glass, ceramic, and silicone cups wash like any other. For a gourd or wooden cup:
- Use the bombilla or a spoon to scrape out the yerba. The used yerba can be composted or tossed with your organic waste.
- Rinse the gourd and let it dry, or pat it with a clean towel or paper. Do not leave it upside down, as that traps moisture.
- Once dry, store it alongside your cups and glasses in a dry spot.
If you notice any mold, scrape it off, wash the gourd with hot water, and cure it again before using.
How to clean your bombilla
Cleaning depends a little on the material and shape, but a bombilla should be thoroughly cleaned after every use, with a deep clean about once a month (and before its very first use). Daily, use hot water and a pipe-cleaning brush (thin, flexible metal with a brush at the end), then let it dry before storing with your utensils. For a deep clean, submerge the bombilla in boiling water with two teaspoons of baking soda for 30 minutes.
How to store your yerba
Keep your yerba in a dry place, off the ground and out of sunlight. You can leave it in its original package as long as it is sealed tightly, or better, transfer it to an airtight container. For more, see our guide on whether yerba mate expires.
Tip
Never use soap on a natural gourd or wooden cup. It soaks into the pores and taints the flavor. Water is all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to cure my mate gourd?
Only natural gourds and wooden cups. Glass, ceramic, and silicone just need a wash, and guampa needs a 24-hour soak in hot water and detergent.
How do I stop my gourd from getting moldy?
Empty the yerba right after use, rinse, and let it dry fully (not upside down). Using it daily helps too, since there is less time for mold to form.
How often should I clean my bombilla?
Rinse and brush it after every use, and deep-clean it monthly by soaking in boiling water with baking soda.
Can I put my mate gourd in the dishwasher?
No. Rinse natural gourds and wooden cups by hand with water only. Dishwashers and soap can damage them and affect the taste.
Keep your kit in top shape
A little care keeps your mate tasting its best for years. Browse our gourds, bombillas, and accessories to round out your setup.
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