Before using a mate gourd for the first time, it needs to be cured. This process removes the inner skin, seals the pores, intensifies the mate flavor, and prevents mold from growing.
- Which gourds need curing? Only gourds made of wood or calabash (pumpkin). Ceramic, glass, and metal gourds do not need curing — just wash them with hot water before first use.
How to cure a wood mate gourd
- Clean the gourd thoroughly with hot water.
- Spread the interior with butter or edible oil — this seals the pores and extends the gourd life. (optional but recommended)
- Fill the gourd with used yerba mate, taken from another gourd already in use.
- Let it rest for 24 hours.
- Empty and clean the gourd. It is ready to use.
How to cure a calabash (pumpkin) mate gourd
- Clean the gourd with hot water.
- Fill it with yerba mate.
- Add hot water (not boiling — 70-80°C / 160-180°F).
- Let it rest for 24 hours.
- Empty the gourd, then use a spoon to scrape the interior and remove the softened inner tissue. If there is a small stem in the center, leave it in place.
- Let the gourd dry completely — some people leave it in sunlight for a few hours.
