The bombilla and the gourd are the essential Yerba Mate accessories for enjoying this drink that comes to us from South America. Yerba Mate, also known as Jesuit tea or Brazilian tea, is an infusion made from the leaves of the yerba maté plant. There is a wide range of bombillas, crafted from stainless steel, alpaca, surgical steel or wood. Follow our advice to choose the right bombilla for you.
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The different types of bombilla for Yerba Mate
The Guaraní people were at the origin of ground yerba maté, particularly in Brazil. They used a hollow reed as a straw to drink their mate, unlabelled but undeniably natural. Bothered by the leaf residue, they improvised the first filtering system, and the idea of the bombilla was born.
In France, yerba maté has grown in popularity, and you can now find a wide range of products and accessories around this rising drink. Let's look at which bombilla to choose so your first mate experience delivers the full depth of its flavour.
Which bombilla shape suits your Yerba Mate?
Among the different bombilla styles, curved models are more comfortable to use than straight ones. The filter is a key part of your bombilla, as it is what ensures the quality of your mate experience.
The original slotted filter is the simplest, but it has evolved over time. Almond-shaped models fit snugly inside the gourd, offering excellent filtration. Spring-filter bombillas allow the liquid to flow freely and clog very little. They are ideal for traditional yerba maté, even dusty varieties like Mate Intense.
It is very important not to move the bombilla once it is immersed. It should stay in the same position to allow the yerba maté to infuse properly, letting the solid particles settle at the bottom of the gourd.
Steel, stainless steel or wood: the material of your bombilla matters
Stainless steel bombillas (inox) and alpaca, also called alpaga, are the most popular. You can also find them in surgical steel or wood. The quality of your bombilla is key to enjoying a truly great mate.
Make sure your bombilla does not alter the taste of your drink or release any harmful substances. It should also be designed so it does not burn your lips, and its filter must effectively hold back solid particles.
Cleaning your bombilla
A well-maintained mate straw will be a long-lasting companion. At a minimum, rinse your bombilla in hot water after each use. For a deeper clean, soak it for 30 minutes in boiling water with a little bicarbonate of soda. A small fine-bristle brush will help remove any mate deposits from the inner walls. Look for a model with a removable filter for easy cleaning.
Bombilla, gourd, organic yerba maté: the full world of Yerba Mate
Mate straws are available at every price point. You can also opt for a mate gift set or a starter kit to ease your way into the world of yerba maté. It is also possible to enjoy mate from a cup, a flask or a thermos.
Ideally, mate calls for its own specific accessories: a gourd, a bombilla and a fine brush, all available from our well-stocked range. Browse our pages to discover these products, as well as our selection of organic yerba maté.
If you choose to shop with us, your order will be dispatched promptly and with great care.
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