How do I use my natural gourd for the first time?

How to Cure a Yerba Mate Gourd

Easy Gourd Curing Instructions

All gourds can be immediately used. Traditional gourds will cure naturally with use, but curing will improve taste and strengthen gourd. Therefore, it is not necessary to cure a gourd, and wood gourds need no curing. Normally, people will cure a non-wood gourd before using it the first time:

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.

Gourd Curing Hints

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 occurrence of the curing process that will help to develop the character of your gourd.

At Step #1 above:

• 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.

At Step #3 above:

• The gourd drinks the water and absorbs flavor.
• When you feel that the gourd has adequately absorbed water, that is when you may move on to step 4.
• It is normal for the yerba mate plant to create mold in the curing gourd; some choose to repeat the first two steps during the wait, while others choose to use rum during the curing process in order to prevent any mold from ever forming.

At Step #4 above:

• Never use soap on a gourd; the gourd will drink the soap.
• Loose particles other than the stem at the base can be scraped out with spoon.

At Step #5 above:

• The gourd constricts and tightens as it releases moisture.
• Time will vary depending on environmental conditions.
• Direct sunlight can be used in non-desert environments.
• You will know the gourd is dry because the inside will show no watermarks.
• Allowing the gourd to warm under the sun or near the heater allows the gourd to cure itself.