Mate Gourds
Before your first use, it's best to cure your mate gourd (if made of calabash or wood) to remove debris and reduce bitter tannins.
- Fill with hot water (170°F / 77 °C) and steep for 20 minutes.
- Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Dry gourd on its side in a well-ventilated spot (a fan works best).
Bombillas
New bombillas should be cleaned to remove any potential manufacturing residue.
- Boil in water with 1 tbsp baking soda for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Yerba Mate
Keep yerba mate in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. For green yerba, store in the fridge/freezer to preserve freshness and prevent degradation. An airtight container works best.