For beginners in tradition: how to cure a mate?

The  steps and methods to cure a  mate   in our country are mostly imbricated with cultural and tradition issues. So it  doesn't make sense to look for a correct way , since there are multiple of them.  After all, the goal will always be the same: to get the best performance and make it last us longer . In addition, we must consider that the mechanism varies depending on our preference is sweet or bitter. But what are we talking about when we return to the  term  cure?  It refers to the procedure by which any type of container is prepared to start using it correctly . In this way, curing allows to seal the pores of the organic material, and prevent the container from ruining the  taste .

It should be noted that metal, glass, ceramic, silicone or plastic mattes do not have to go through the intervention. This is because the components from which they are made lack porosity. So we will only perform curing with those that are made with natural matter. Such are the cases of pumpkin, wood, horns and even animal hooves.  Care is extreme because after use, it takes to dry and fungi can occur inside .

 Instructions for curing a bitter matte 

1. Wash inside the container .  Here it is necessary to use hot water, preferably boiled. Also, it has to be cooled to 80 degrees, which serves to disinfect and remove bacteria, dust and fibers.

2. Fill it with weed. It can be used or come from another matte (because it has less dust). The action of yerba consists of absorption of excess water after washing. Then you have to wait for it to swell from both sucking the liquid and warm water is added to it slowly. The entire surface has to be wet. Once this step is done we repeat it two or three times until the yerba reaches the top. In the event that weed is missing, it is desirable to add more to it because it should not be left floating.

3. Let it stand for two whole days. The ideal place has to be dry and the necessary water must be added to keep the herba wet.

4. Wash and use.

 Instructions for curing a sweet mate 

1. Wash inside the container .  Here it is necessary to use hot water, preferably boiled. Also, it has to be cooled to 80 degrees, which serves to disinfect and remove bacteria, dust and fibers.

2. Pour him sugar. It can be of any kind, as long as synthetic sweetener is not used. The amount will depend on the mate, but with two tablespoons will surely be enough. Cover with your hand the entrance of the mate and shake it so that the sugar sticks to the walls.

3. Leave to dry with sugar. Wait a few hours until the grains have dried and leave a layer covering the walls.

4. Insert two very small embers into the mate. Cover it with something that serves as a lid and stir a few minutes until the embers turn off.

5. Repeat the operation.

6. Put yerba back. Rinse the mate with hot water and fill it with new yerba. Moisten the yerba with warm water to swell and leave it so overnight.

7. The mate will be ready to be primed.