Hello my dear friends! 🌿
If you've just gotten a new mate gourd, you may be wondering how to properly prepare it to get the best flavor from your yerba mate infusion. No worries, I'm here to walk you through the initial curing process.
Initial cleaning:
Initial curing is essential to enjoy a good mate. Here's how to do it:
- Add yerba mate up to half of the gourd.
- Then fill with warm water until the entire yerba is moistened. Be careful not to fill up to the metal part (the ferrule), as it is purely decorative and should not be submerged.
The next day, use a spoon to gently scrape the inside of the gourd and remove the pulp (“el hollejo”). Do this gently so as not to damage the walls. Some gourds are already very smooth when they come out of the factory, so a strong scraping is not always necessary. You can evaluate the inside of the gourd and adjust the scraping accordingly. Some recommend repeating this process for 5 days, but personally, I do it overnight and start using it the next day, letting the gourd air dry overnight.
Additional Smoothing:
If the inner surface of your gourd is too rough at first, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out further. Always rub in the same direction to avoid damaging the gourd.
Daily Preparation:
When preparing your daily mate, make sure to fill the gourd below the ferrule (if it has one). The dry part of the yerba can reach the limit, but the water must always remain below the ferrule.
Drying the Calabash:
Drying is the most important step in the process. After cleaning your gourd, place a small towel inside for 20 minutes to absorb the moisture. Then, let it air dry in an open, well-ventilated area. Avoid leaving it in a closed, humid, or devoid of airflow, as this can cause mold to grow. You can also use sunlight or a hair dryer for 15 minutes to speed up the drying process.
Color Change:
Don’t worry if your gourd turns a dark green over time. This is completely normal and is due to the interaction of the tannins in the yerba mate with the gourd. This change does not affect the quality or flavor of your mate and adds unique character to each gourd.
Conclusion :
With proper curing, careful drying and regular maintenance, your gourd will last a long time and give you an authentic mate experience. Enjoy it and savor every sip! 🍃
Related: For tips on cleaning your bombilla, check out our article How to Clean Your Mate Bombilla: Tips for Shine and Hygiene.
