"CRIOLLO" Calabash Mate Gourd + Leather Base

Name: "CRIOLLO" Calabash Mate Gourd + Leather Base
Brand: Yerba Mate Lab
SKU: YML-G-CRIOLLO
Price: 35.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)

$35.00 USD

SAVE Sold out

Product variants

Quantity

Our handcrafted mate criollo takes you back to the basics with a beautiful, "naked" calabash gourd and a separate leather base to hold it upright (or at an angle for steeping the mountain!). Without all the adornments, this is for the simple and to-the-point materos that want something versatile and extremely functional. The calabash itself is shaped similar to a cuia, making it great for chimarrao as well.

(The size and shape of each gourd varies from the pictures shown as no two gourds are the same – some are larger, some are smaller. Leather base may vary in color. Due to the nature of this product, natural blemishes and marks are normal.)

Dimensions (approx.): Base: 3.5 x 2.5in. Calabash: 4 x 4in.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We've noticed that these gourds are more prone to cracks. Because of this, we highly suggest to cure them as follows (do not skip curing): fill the gourd to the top with USED, MOIST yerba (yerba from a finished session) then let it rest for 24 hours. DO NOT FILL WITH WATER. Oversaturating the gourd too fast is what puts it at risk of cracking. After 24 hours, remove the yerba (a quick rinse is OK), pat down with a paper towel, and dry fully in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once dry, you may repeat this process 2-3 times for best results, as well as apply a thin layer of butter on the inside before curing.

mate criollo calabaza

mate criollo con base de cuero

question_mark

FAQs

Can I Pick Specific A Design/Size?
Unfortunately, no. Calabashes are 100% natural. Each mate is unique in shape, size, and capacity. In addition, the virola (metal rim) are all handmade and each mate comes with a different design. Making choosing specific designs/sizes, impossible to do.

The best we can do is give a range of a mate's dimensions and capacity. If you prefer a size, you can always feel free to reach out and we'll always do our best to accommodate, but can't guarantee we'll meet your specifications.

How To Cure Mate Gourds
Before your first use, cure your mate gourd (if made of calabash or wood) to remove excess 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).

Does My Gourd Have Mold?
After your mate comes in contact with yerba, whether from curing or regular use, it's common for the calabash to have green/grey spots. This can easily be mistaken for mold, but is often the staining of the yerba. A fully stained calabash is traditionally seen as a sign of a well-cured gourd.

Mold, on the other hand, will be easy to spot as it will appear on the surface of the walls as fuzzy/hair-like, white/green spots, and can be scratched off. Whereas staining cannot be removed.

How To Prevent Mold
Mold growth is an unfortunate reality when it comes to natural gourds, and is caused by how it's dried after being used (not an issue with the gourd itself).

For the best prevention, after patting your gourd dry with a paper towel, rest it on its side in a dry, well-ventilated room (directly by a fan for best results).

How To Clean Mate Gourds
Natural gourds (calabash/wood) should be cleaned immediately after use with only warm water. Rinse out all the yerba and pat dry. Then, as mentioned, rest in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not use soap or other cleaning products as this can be absorbed and affect the taste of your mate.

local_shipping