How To
How to cure your mate gourd before first use
Curing protects the inside of a natural calabash gourd and improves the flavour profile of your mate over time.
Fill with yerba - Fill the gourd to around halfway with yerba mate.
Add hot water (not boiling) - Pour hot water into your gourd until the yerba mate infusion reaches near the brim, then leave it for 24-48 hours. The yerba mate will begin to stain the inside of your gourd with dark shades of green and black.
Empty and gently scrape - Remove the yerba with a spoon and then gently scrape the inside to get rid of any loose bits.
Dry completely - Leave the gourd in a well-ventilated spot until fully dry. Ensure air can get to the inside of your gourd.
How to prepare a mate
Fill the gourd with yerba mate - add dry yerba mate until the gourd is around two-thirds full.
Shake and tilt - Cover the top of the gourd with your hand and shake gently, then tilt the gourd so the yerba settles to one side.
Add a little water - Pour a small amount into the empty space and let it absorb.
Place the bombilla - Insert the bombilla into the damp pocket and keep it in place.
Pour hot water - Add hot water into the same spot. It should be hot, but not boiling.
Drink and refill - Sip slowly through the bombilla, then keep refilling with hot water in the same area.