(To give you some context, you will see that I use the word "mate" very often to talk about the calabash . In Latin America, we call the container mate , regardless of the material it is made of. We also use this word to designate the action of drinking the infusion, for example, we say "on prend quelques mates" . On the other hand, we call yerba mate simply yerba . Contrary to that, here in France, we say calebasse for the container and maté for the yerba mate. So, if you see that I am talking about mate , know that I am referring to the calabash. 😉)
There are everyday objects that carry within them much more than a simple use . Objects that become life companions , that are shaped over time, absorb memories, and tell a story with each new use.
The wooden mate is one of them.
Wooden Mate: A Heritage That Stands Through Time
There is a wooden mate at my parents' house, made of palo santo , that has stood the test of time. It is a living piece , witness to peaceful mornings and endless discussions. It still smells of wood and yerba, a subtle blend of nature and memories of a time when time seemed to pass more slowly.
Every time I return to Argentina, it is there, on a shelf or in his hands, like an old friend who has always accompanied him. Maybe it will stay there, anchored in that house full of stories… or maybe one day I will try to bring it back with me .
With each infusion, the wood fed on the yerba, absorbing its essence, becoming more alive every day . Over time, it took on a darker, richer hue, as if it were taking charge of all the conversations, all the mates shared around it.
But one thing is certain: this mate lasts because it has been carefully maintained . And that is precisely what we are going to see here: how to preserve your wooden mate so that it will accompany you for years.
Why is Curage Essential?
A wooden mate is a bit like a musical instrument. If it is not properly maintained, it will quickly deteriorate. But with the right care, it can last a lifetime.
📌 If you cure it correctly:
✅ It will gain resistance and last longer.
✅ It will preserve its unique fragrance and enrich the taste of mate.
✅ It will become an everyday companion, full of memories and authenticity.
The Ritual of Curing: Preparing Your Mate for Life
1️⃣ Initial Cleaning: A First Contact
It all starts with a good cleaning .
👉 Rinse your mate with lukewarm water (no soap!).
👉 Dry it with a clean cloth.
The goal here is not to "clean" it like a ceramic cup, but to prepare the wood to receive its first infusion.
2️⃣ Feeding the Wood: An Essential Gesture
If the wood is not fed, it will dry out and crack . This is the mistake many people make: they brew their mate without having fed the wood, and a few months later, cracks appear.
👉 Apply a thin layer of fat (butter, vegetable oil or beef fat) to the entire interior and exterior surface of the mate.
👉 Let it sit for 6 hours so that the wood absorbs well.
This is a step that few people know, but it is the key to a mate that lasts for years !
3️⃣ Infusion of Yerba: Introduction to Maté
After feeding the wood, it is time to give it its first soul of mate .
👉 Fill your mate 2/3 full with wet yerba mate (at mate temperature, between 70°C and 80°C).
👉 Let it sit overnight.
It's like a baptism. The yerba will impregnate the wood , give it its first aromas and help it adapt to humidity.
4️⃣ Rinsing and First Use
In the morning, empty the yerba, rinse your mate and dry it with a clean cloth . From this moment, it is ready to accompany you for many years! 🧉🔥
The Interview: A Long-Term Relationship
👉 Always dry your mate after use
Never leave it to soak in water, otherwise it will swell and crack.
👉 Feed it once a month
Like leather that needs to be maintained, wood needs to be hydrated regularly . A thin layer of oil or grease every 3 to 4 weeks is sufficient.
👉 Never pour boiling water
Water that is too hot weakens the wood and accelerates its aging. Ideally, use water between 70°C and 80°C.
👉 Keep it in a dry and ventilated place
Avoid radiators, direct sunlight or stagnant moisture .
One Last Tip: Make Your Mate a Legacy
At my parents' house, this old wooden mate still exists, a discreet witness to thousands of shared mates, late-night discussions and morning rituals .
Maybe it will stay in Argentina, anchored in that house where it has always been. Or maybe one day I will manage to take it with me. But what is certain is that its value does not come only from the wood it is made of, but from the memories it carries .
If you take care of yours, maybe one day you will tell its story in turn.
