Selecting a Gourd
The Gourd enhances the taste and experience of the tea. When choosing a gourd, consider size, shape, and material. To prepare the tea in the gourd, fill it three-quarters full with loose leaf and pour hot water below the rim for brewing.
Preparing a New Gourd
To properly prepare a gourd, there are two main methods: soaking and scraping. I prefer to soak my gourd as it helps to loosen debris and makes scraping easier.
Making Yerba Mate
Grab your gourd, fill up two-thirds with loose-leaf tea. Cover and shake to get the powder out. Make a half-moon on the bottom and free space at the top. Pour cold water over leaves to protect nutrients from hot water you will pour in.
Preparing the tea in a calabash gourd has one difference – most calabashes have a stem in the middle. Avoid hitting the stem with your straw or your gourd may leak. Slide your straw above the stem then stab straight through.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a gourd adds a special touch, allowing you to appreciate the flavors. Maintain your gourd to ensure longevity.
Experiment with different ratios to find your preferred strength. Filling the gourd to the brim intensifies the flavor and aroma, while leaving space allows for water flow regulation. Personal preference plays a key role in adjusting the amount to enhance your drinking experience.
The traditional method requires a gourd, loose leaf tea, hot water and a bombilla for filtering leaves. Calabash gourds come in various shapes and sizes. Before first use, gourds need curing by soaking overnight to soften interior before scraping out debris.
There are four main preparation methods:
- Traditional method with bombilla and gourd
- French press
- Tea bags
- Cold brewing
You can also mix in other herbs and ingredients to improve flavor and effects.
Gourds are made from the calabash plant. The exterior is smooth yet hard as a rock, while the interior is textured.
To maintain gourds, always hand wash them with warm water. The walls may turn a dark green, almost black color during curing – this is normal. Keep adding water to keep it wet during curing. You can cure it one to two more times, if desired. The mate will continue curing with each use.
Why Cure a Gourd?
Curing makes gourds leak-proof by slowly expanding pores. First, hand wash with warm water only. Second, put used yerba inside and fill with hot water. Third, let sit 24 hours. Fourth, remove yerba and scrape inside skin. Fifth, repeat process two to four more times. The gourd darkens. After curing, always hand wash to keep clean.
Preventing Mold
To prevent mold, focus on cleaning and storage rather than curing. Mold grows when a wet, warm gourd is stored in a humid place. Prevent mold by washing after every use and keeping in a cool, dry area like under sunlight. A cleaned, dry, cool gourd stays mold-free no matter if cured or not.