What is Curing a Mate?
Curing is a process that aims to remove impurities and residues from the mate while allowing it to absorb the yerba properly. By curing the mate, you also prevent the buildup of unpleasant or bitter flavors from the materials it's made of, ensuring a richer flavor experience.
Materials Needed:
New mate (made of gourd, wood, etc.)
Yerba mate (preferably used or lower-quality yerba for curing)
Hot water (not boiling, around 70-80°C or 160-175°F)
Wooden spatula or spoon
Towel or cloth (for drying the mate)
Steps to Cure a Gourd Mate
Initial Cleaning
If the mate has visible dust or residues, clean it with a dry cloth or paper towel. Avoid using detergents or chemicals that could leave residues and affect the taste of the mate.
Fill the Mate with Yerba
Fill the mate about halfway with yerba mate, preferably used yerba or a lower-quality kind, as fresh yerba has a strong taste that can harm the curing process. For a gourd mate, make sure the yerba reaches the inside walls of the vessel.
Moisten the Yerba
Pour warm water (not boiling) over the yerba, covering it up to the rim of the mate. Let it sit for about 24 hours to allow the yerba to swell and soak up the water.
Scrape the Walls of the Mate
The following day, you'll notice the yerba has absorbed the water. Use a wooden spatula or spoon to scrape the inside walls of the mate to remove the softened yerba and any residues. This step is important to eliminate impurities and prevent unpleasant flavors.
Dry the Mate
After scraping, dry the inside of the mate with a clean cloth. Let it air dry for a few hours to ensure it’s completely dry. This step helps to finish the curing process and prevents moisture buildup, which could lead to mold.
Repeat the Process if Needed
If necessary, you can repeat the curing process one or two more times to ensure the mate is fully cured. This is especially common with gourd mates, which may take more time to achieve the ideal flavor.
Final Drying
When done, leave the mate in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, to fully dry out.
Curing Other Types of Mates
Wood Mate: This type doesn’t require as much curing as the gourd, but it’s still recommended to moisten with hot water and dry it several times to prevent it from absorbing too much flavor.
Ceramic or Metal Mate: No curing is necessary, as these materials don’t absorb flavors like gourds do. However, it’s still a good idea to clean them well before using them for the first time.
Additional Tips
Avoid boiling water: The water should be between 70-80°C (160-175°F). If it's too hot, it could damage the walls of the mate and cause a bitter taste.
Do not use detergents: Detergents and cleaning products can leave residues that affect the flavor of the mate.
Care for your mate: After using the mate, it’s important to clean it properly, but avoid using too much hot water, as it could crack the vessel. With gourd mates, try not to wet the inside too frequently after curing.
Conclusion
Curing an Argentine mate is an essential practice to ensure your vessel lasts longer and you get the best flavor possible from your mate. While the process might seem a bit lengthy, it’s well worth it to have an authentic and rich experience. Whether your mate is made of gourd, wood, or ceramic, curing is the first step in embracing this beloved tradition in Argentina and many other Southern Cone countries.
Now that you know how to cure your mate, get ready to enjoy each sip in great company!
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