🧉 How to Cure and Clean Your Mate Cup (Gourd or Wood) 

If you're a mate lover—or just getting started—knowing how to cure and clean your mate cup is essential. Whether it's made of gourd (calabaza) or wood, proper care brings out the best flavor and helps your cup last longer. Here's your step-by-step guide to curing and cleaning your mate like a pro.

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🌱 Why Curing a Mate Cup Matters

Mate cups made of natural materials like gourd or wood are porous. That means they absorb moisture and flavors—and if you don’t cure them, they can develop mold or bitterness.

✅ Curing helps:

• Seal the pores of the material

• Remove bitter residues

• Prevent mold

• Enhance yerba mate’s authentic flavor

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🍵 Which Mate Cups Need Curing?

Not all cups are created equal! Here's a quick guide:

No curing needed:

• Glass

• Ceramic

• Stainless steel

• Silicone

• Plastic

Must be cured before use:

• Gourd (Calabaza)

• Wood

👉 Pro Tip: Use separate cups for sweet and bitter mate! A cup cured for sweet mate will retain that flavor and can affect your bitter brew.

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🥄 How to Cure a Gourd Mate Cup (for Bitter Mate)

1. Fill the mate with dry yerba (used yerba works too).

2. Add hot water (not boiling).

3. Let it rest for 24 hours.

4. Scrape the inside gently with a spoon to remove the woody membrane.

5. Rinse and dry in the sun, mouth up.

6. Repeat if needed until the inside looks clean and smooth.

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🍯 How to Cure a Gourd Mate for Sweet Mate

Prefer sweet mate? Follow this method:

1. Wash the mate with very hot water.

2. Add 2 tbsp of sugar, cover, and shake to coat the inside.

3. Let it dry for a few hours.

4. Place 2 hot embers inside, cover, and shake again until the embers go out.

5. Repeat once more if desired.

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🪵 How to Cure a Wooden Mate Cup

There are two popular methods:

🧈 Method 1: Fat or Oil

• Rub the inside with butter, oil, or beef fat.

• Let it sit overnight.

• Wipe off excess and it’s ready to go.

🍵 Method 2: Used Yerba

1. Fill with used yerba.

2. Add warm water to keep it moist.

3. Let sit for 24 hours.

4. Repeat for 2–3 days.

👉 Want extra protection? Seal the exterior with a thin layer of clear varnish or shellac (don’t coat the inside).

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🧽 How to Clean Your Mate After Use

After each session:

✔️ Discard the used yerba immediately
✔️ Rinse the inside thoroughly
✔️ Let it dry with the mouth facing up
❌ Don’t dry it upside down — it can cause mold!

Glass or ceramic mates are easier for daily use if you’re short on time.

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🧼 Don’t Forget the Bombilla (Metal Straw)

Since it's shared often, cleaning the bombilla is key:

• Use a stainless steel, silver, or alpaca bombilla

• Boil it in water regularly

• Clean inside with a thin brush if needed

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⚠️ What If Mold Appears?

Spotted a white film? That’s mold. Don’t panic — here’s how to fix it:

1. Scrub the inside with unscented soap, hot water, and a brush.

2. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

3. Swirl a bit of ethyl alcohol inside.

4. Carefully light the alcohol to burn away mold (do this safely and in a ventilated area).

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❤️ Final Thoughts: A Clean Mate = A Great Mate

Mate is more than a drink—it's a ritual shared with friends, family, and even strangers. Keeping your mate cup clean and cured honors the tradition and ensures every sip tastes just right.

Take care of your mate, and it’ll take care of you. Salud! 🧉