If you’ve decided to start or joined team "let's do this the right way," Welcome! It’s a one-way trip. Perhaps you already have that mate you’ve always wanted, whether it’s a unique piece from our Herencia Collection or a faithful wooden companion. But before you rush to boil the water and pour your first mate, there is one crucial, time-honoured step you must take: you need to cure your mate.
We are often asked: "Is it really necessary?" The answer is a resounding "yes." Curing the mate is not just a tradition; it’s about preparing the material to withstand the heat, sealing its natural pores, and, above all, ensuring that the flavour of the yerba remains the true protagonist. Depending on whether your mate is made of gourd or wood, the process changes slightly, so here is how to do it like a pro.
The Natural Gourd: The King of the Ritual
If you chose a natural gourd—like our leather-wrapped Imperials—you are holding a piece of nature. Because these traditional mates are actually made from the dried, hollowed-out Lagenaria siceraria fruit (a type of calabash), the inside is naturally porous and contains a soft, papery membrane.
Curing your gourd serves three essential purposes: it removes this inner membrane, it seals the natural pores of the fruit to prevent cracking, and it infuses the walls with the flavour of the yerba, ensuring your future mates taste absolutely spectacular.
To start, simply rinse the inside with warm water (be careful not to soak the leather exterior!). Then, fill the gourd almost to the top with used yerba mate. Here is a pro-tip: when you empty that yerba later, don’t just throw it in the trash. Put it in your compost or even directly into that plant in your house that’s looking a bit sad. Yerba is packed with minerals and works like a charm—it’s like a traditional "grandma's remedy" for your plants!
Once the gourd is filled with used yerba and a splash of warm water, let it rest for 24 hours. This allows the walls to soften and expand. The next day, empty it out, take a spoon, and gently scrape the inside to remove the softened membrane. We recommend repeating this process twice to ensure the gourd is completely clean and sealed.
The Wooden Mate: Sealing the Essence
Wooden mates, like the beautiful, dense algarrobo and quebracho pieces we carry at LuvMate, are incredibly durable and aromatic. However, they are also sensitive to sudden temperature changes. If you don't cure them properly, pouring hot water straight into a dry wooden cup can cause the wood to crack. The goal here isn't to remove material like we do with the gourd, but to condition and seal the wood.
The secret is to coat the inside walls with a very thin layer of a neutral, food-grade oil. We highly recommend using a neutral option like coconut oil. Stay away from olive oil or butter! Heavy or low-quality oils can go rancid over time, and you absolutely do not want that funky, spoiled flavour transferring to your yerba mate.
Also, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. You only need a few drops spread evenly—you don't need a pound of fat for this! After applying this light, protective coat of neutral oil, fill the cup with used yerba and let it sit for 24 hours. This creates a moisture barrier that prevents the wood from absorbing water too quickly. After that, just rinse it with warm water, and you are ready to go.
Common Rules for a Lifetime of Mate
Regardless of the material, there are two golden rules you must never break if you want your mate to last forever. First: never, ever use soap. Your mate is porous; if you use detergent, your next 50 mates will taste like lemons and dishwashing chemicals.
Second: the drying process is everything. After rinsing your mate with warm water, shake off the excess water and let it air dry completely. Always store it facing up in a well-ventilated spot. Storing it upside down is the fastest way to grow mold because moisture gets trapped inside and the mate cannot breathe.
A Masterpiece in the Making
If you were still on the fence about making the upgrade to a traditional mate, we hope this guide gives you peace of mind. Curing is not a chore; it’s simply preparing the material—much like a master painter prepares a canvas before starting a masterpiece. It's the first step in a lifelong relationship with your mate.
If you haven’t decided which one is for you yet, stop by our Mate Gourds & Vessels Section and find the one that fits your vibe. Whether it's the rustic charm of wood or the majestic presence of the Herencia Collection, your perfect mate is waiting to be cured.