Calabash Mate Gourd

For the squash to be ready for usage, you have to cure it. The process helps prevent molding, cracking and improves the flavor. With time, you will notice that the longer you use the gourd, the better the taste of your yerba mate. Fill your bottle halfway with the Yerba Mate. Add hot but not boiling water to the squash to the brim. Be cautious as boiling water may end up breaking your gourd. Place the gourd in a ventilated area for twenty-four hours and continually top more water as the gourd absorbs it. After the lapse of this period, pour out all the contents and thoroughly rinse with running water. Once dry, your gourd will be ready for use.

Palo Santo Mate Gourd

It is very important to cure the Palo Santo Mate before any use to prevent cracking. To cure the Mate Rinse the container with water. Leave it to dry completely Cover the inside wall of the palo santo with butter or olive oil Let it stand for 2-3 days Wash the container carefully with hot water to remove all traces of fat This mate should be kept at constant humidity. It is advisable to use it every day and leave wet leaves in the container until the next day use. If not used for a longer period, where the humidity might change, palo santo may be emptied and dried but the drying should be slow, again to prevent cracking. Palo santo wood has a high content of resin which might come to the surface of the container looking a little bit like icing on a cake. This is a natural process and should not cause any worry. Now, it is ready to use!