Awakening the Soul within the Gourd

In Latin America the gourd is described as having a memory. The gourd flavors the Yerba Mate with its previous experiences. Many drinkers consider the Gourd to have a "soul" that contributes to the Yerba Mate Ritual. People will collect different gourds, each adding its own contribution to the experience.

Curing Your Gourd

Simple Curing Instructions

Although traditional gourds can be immediately used and cure naturally with use, it is recommended to cure your gourd before use. Curing will improve the taste and strengthen the gourd. Wood gourds need no curing (with the exception of palo santo wood gourds). Here are some simple curing instructions:

1. Pour some yerba mate into the gourd.
2. Fill gourd to brim with water
3. Let gourd sit filled with water and yerba mate for a day or two.
4. Clean inside with boiling water only.
5. Dry gourd in window light or other arid condition for a day or two.

Detailed Curing Instructions

Your goal is to cure the gourd so that the water no longer penetrates the gourd. Any natural product that takes on water is going to take on character. Do not become concerned with bubbles or color distortions, they are a natural part of the curing process that will help to develop the character of your gourd.

1. Pour some yerba mate into the gourd.
2. If desired, the gourd can be given flavor during this process by adding something to the yerba mate. Rum, mint leaf, stevia leaf, lemon peels, orange peels, or honey are some popular examples.
3. Fill gourd to brim with water.
4. Let gourd sit filled with water and yerba mate for a day or two to absorb flavor.
5. It is normal for mold to form on the gourd during the curing process.  This mold is harmless. If you want to prevent the mold, use rum or a similar alcohol to cure.
6. Remove yerba mate (bombilla is a good tool for scraping out yerba mate) and clean inside with boiling water only.
7. Never use soap on a gourd, as it will be absorbed into the gourd.
8. Dry gourd in window light or other arid condition for a day or two (time will vary depending on environmental conditions). Direct sunlight can be used in non-desert environments.
9. The gourd constricts and tightens as it releases moisture.
10. You will know the gourd is dry when there are no water marks on the inside.

Curing Your Palo Santo Wood Gourd

This slow and gentle curing process will help strengthen the soft, light palo santo wood.  Before beginning the curing process, it is highly recommended to apply generous amounts of a food safe oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to the inside and outside of the gourd.  Wipe off excess oil and continue to apply every few days when you notice the gourd drying out.  Continue this process for one to two weeks, then begin the curing process below:

Day 1: 

 Fill gourd halfway with yerba mate.  Add warm, NOT hot, water and fill to top.  Leave overnight.

Day 2: 

 Keep the yerba mate in the gourd while draining excess water out.  Add hot, NOT boiling, water and fill to top.  Leave overnight.

Day 3:

Keep the yerba mate in the gourd and drain excess water again.  Add boiling water and fill to top.  Leave overnight.

Day 4: 

Clean out gourd and let dry.

***It is recommended to apply oil in between use to ensure that the moisture continues to permeate throughout the gourd.