Time to Read: 5 minutes
Quick Overview
A well-kept mate kit lasts for years. Natural calabash gourds need curing before first use, wooden cups do best with a light coat of oil on the outside, 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 get a new gourd ready
- How to clean your gourd and bombilla
- How to store your yerba
If your cup is glass, ceramic, silicone, or lined with stainless steel, 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. A natural calabash gourd needs to be cured (“curar el mate”), a process that clears out the loose pulp inside and seals the walls so the gourd doesn't affect the flavor. Wooden cups don't need that process. We cover how we care for them below.
How do you cure a new calabash gourd?
Curing is simple and takes a day or two. For a natural calabash gourd:
- Fill the gourd with hot water, between 150 and 180°F and never boiling, 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. Leave the small raised knot at the center of the bottom alone, since breaking it off can weaken the gourd or cause leaks.
- Repeat step 2.
- Rinse it and leave it to dry with the open side up.
- Your gourd is ready to use.
What about wooden gourds?
Wooden gourds skip the soak and scrape. We don't cure ours. We just start using them, and the yerba and water season the inside naturally over time. Some people like to fill a new wooden gourd with used yerba overnight before the first use, which is fine, but in our experience it isn't necessary.
What we do recommend is oiling the outside, the same way you'd care for a wooden cutting board. Rub a generous layer of food-grade mineral oil or coconut oil on the outside only, let it sit for about 3 hours, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel. We do this when a gourd first arrives and every couple of months after that. For the fuller walkthrough on curing a calabash step by step, and why wood skips that process, see our guide on how to cure a yerba mate gourd.
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 calabash gourds. Wooden cups don't need the soak and scrape, just a coat of oil on the outside every couple of months. Glass, ceramic, silicone, and steel-lined cups 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.
Other articles you may enjoy
What Does Mold Look Like in a Yerba Mate Gourd?
How to Cure a Yerba Mate Gourd: Calabash and Wood