Calabash Gourd Mate Large

Calabashes are used to prepare mate tea. Mate is mainly consumed in Latin America.
This calabash is made from bottle gourd. Since this is a natural material, there may be differences in color and size. These make each calabash unique. Calabashes made from bottle gourds require special care so that they retain their beauty and cleanliness for a long time.
This item is made of high quality, rust proof stainless steel, which is characterized by easy maintenance.

Calabash Gourd Bowl
with aluminum ring, marbelled,
Height approx.4.5 /  Width  4.25 inches at widest

HOW TO SEASON AND CARE FOR YOUR NEW YERBA MATE GOURD

It is important to cure your mate cup so that it does not split or crack. You can have many years of enjoyment if you follow this simple curing process and care steps.

Step 1 – Gently remove any natural occurring residue in the cup like plant material or seeds. Wash your gourd with warm water only- no soap. Use a spoon and gently scrape to remove any debris. Add a little salt as this acts as a natural abrasive and disinfectant. Rub gently, clean and rinse.

Step 2 – Next, fill the yerba mate gourd with used or wet (damp) yerba mate tea leaves to cure the gourd and leave set for 24 hours. You can also split open mate tea bags if you do not have loose leaf tea. Do not fill the gourd with water as this may lead to mold formation.

Step 3 – Remove the damp yerba mate tea leaves and discard. Rinse the mate gourd with warm water and allow to dry.

Step 4 - Your dried gourd is now cured and ready for use. Please remember to remove the used tea leaves and brewed tea water after each use to prevent mold formation. Allow gourd to dry fully between uses to prevent cracking and splitting.