Mate is a plant found in South America. Its leaves are used to make a caffeinated drink. This drink is commonly consumed from a hollow gourd. The gourd develops a dark stain over time from the mate. This stain is normal and not mold. True mold inside a gourd appears green, furry, or slimy. To remove any mold, allow the gourd to fully dry in the sun. Mold cannot survive without moisture. A dry gourd can be sterilized to kill any remaining mold. The mate drink has an earthy flavor with a mild bitterness. It contains less caffeine than coffee. The gourd is passed around in a circle when drinking mate socially. This practice has ceremonial origins. Caring for the gourd teaches patience and connectedness. With proper storage, mate leaves keep their flavor for years. The gourd is key to preparing the tea.
Mate is an evergreen tree that grows in the subtropical region of South America. It has thick, dark green oval-shaped leaves. The plant blooms between October and December with clusters of white, small flowers. For the inhabitants of South American countries, mate tea is part of everyday life. The origins of mate are filled with folklore. The indigenous people referred to it as a "herb from the gods" because of its health benefits. They used it in medicines and to increase physical stamina.
Proper Storage
To ensure your mate stays fresh, it’s important to store it properly. Keep your mate in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight, as this can accelerate deterioration. Air and moisture can promote mold growth, so it’s essential to seal it tightly.
With proper storage, mate lasts for about six months before it starts to lose its freshness. Signs of spoilage include mold, musty odors, and loss of flavor. The tea leaves can be used several times by topping up the original brew with hot water. The flavor actually intensifies with each new infusion.
Mate is harvested by hand. The leaves are then dried, roasted, cured, and ground. Once brewed, it contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and more. It continues to symbolize culture and tradition in South America.
Unlike all the types of bombillas and types of mates, gourds (also called mate) come in a lot more different shapes, sizes, materials, etc. Deciding which one to buy can be very stressful.
If you take good care of it, a mate gourd can last you practically your whole life. The gourd will naturally cure on its own with daily use.