"RIO" Traditional Brazilian Cuia

Name: "RIO" Traditional Brazilian Cuia
Brand: Yerba Mate Lab
SKU: YML-G-RIO
Price: 39.0 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)

$39.00 USD

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Cuias are the traditional vessel used in the South of Brazil for drinking chimarrão. Made of a natural calabash, you get a one-of-a-kind gourd with its own curvy shape and natural blemishes that make each cuia unique. Handmade by artisans in Brazil, this cuia comes with a built-in ceramic stand designed to last you a lifetime of drinking your favorite yerba mate. The interior is also smooth and dries quickly after each use, so it can be ready for another mate the next day.

The size, shape, and color of your cuia may vary from the pictures shown, as no two gourds are the same. Some may also feature minor blemishes, giving it a more natural look and feel.

Dimensions (approx.): 4.0in. opening x 5.2in. height

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.

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