Mate Gourd and Bombilla

A traditional hand produced mate gourd and bombilla.  The bombilla is a essentially a perforated straw that that acts as a light filter.  The gourd should be seasoned by the purchaser before it is used drink mate.

Gourds naturally vary in size and shape, but most are the size of a medium apple.  The bombilla is 16cm in length.

How to cure your gourd:

• Scrape the dry, flaky material form the inside of the gourd with a spoon.
• Fill the gourd with loose yerba mate.
• Pour in hot water.
• Let the gourd sit for 24 hours.
• Empty the gourd and scrape inside again.
• Rinse well.
• Fill the gourd with loose yerba mate a second time.
• Pour in hot water again.
• Allow the gourd to sit another 24 hours.
• Empty the gourd and give it a final scrape with a spoon.
• Rinse well.

Your gourd is now ready for use! Remember to follow these tips to keep your gourd in good shape:

• Do not use soap when cleaning the gourd. A thorough rinse is sufficient.
• Do not run gourd through the dishwasher.
• Do not leave used tea leaves in the gourd for extended periods after use.
• Empty gourd after use, rinse well, and allow to dry on a windowsill.
• If you use additional herbs or flavors in your gourd, your gourd will acquire those flavors afterward.
• It is natural for the inner walls of your gourd to stain greenish-black over time.