How to Cure a Calabash Mate Gourd
To cure a calabash mate, fill it with yerba and warm water, leave it for about a day, scrape the inside and rinse. Curing removes the raw taste and conditions the gourd.
Why curing matters
A raw gourd has a bitter taste and loose fibers inside. Curing softens the interior, removes that taste and helps the gourd last longer.
Step by step
Plan for one day the first time.
- Fill the calabash with used or fresh yerba.
- Add warm water, not boiling, until the yerba is covered.
- Let it sit for 24 hours.
- Empty it and gently scrape the inside with a spoon to remove loosened fibers.
- Fill it again with yerba and warm water and repeat for another day if the taste is still bitter.
- Rinse with warm water and dry upside down in open air.
Daily care
Empty the yerba after each session, rinse with warm water and let the gourd dry completely. Never leave wet yerba inside, because that is what causes mold.
If you see mold
Scrape the inside, rinse and fill it with warm water and a little white vinegar for a few hours, then rinse and dry well.
Quick answers
How long does it take to cure a calabash mate?
About 24 hours, and a second round if it still tastes bitter.
Can I put a calabash mate in the dishwasher?
No. Rinse with warm water and dry in open air.
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