Mate is a drink that originates from South America. Its popularity has grown so much that it is now consumed almost as widely as tea or coffee. Organic mate enjoyed a recent surge in visibility thanks to footballer Antoine Griezmann, who made it his go-to drink. This distinctive beverage is rich in caffeine, antioxidants and iron, yet contains no calories. It is finding its way into more and more daily routines, as its many health benefits have been scientifically demonstrated. There is no doubt about it: mate is good for us, and its medicinal properties are well recognised. As an infusion, it actively helps combat mental fatigue, physical fatigue, nervousness and high blood pressure.
It also supports better digestion and helps strengthen your immune defences. Finally, mate is often used as part of a weight-management routine, thanks to its slimming properties and the feeling of fullness and appetite suppression it provides. There are several ways to prepare mate, but if you want to follow the traditions of Argentine mate, two essential tools are indispensable: the calabash and the bombilla.
The Bombilla: an Essential Accessory for Preparing Mate
The calabash and the bombilla are the two accessories used to prepare traditional mate. Both are essential if you want to honour the ritual in its truest form. The Argentine mate calabash is the traditional vessel used to prepare mate: a kind of cup into which the mate leaves and hot water are poured. The bombilla is the metal straw placed inside the calabash, making it easy to drink the mate. It is fitted with a filter to allow the drink to infuse while preventing you from drawing in the leaves as you sip.
How to Use a Mate Calabash
Preparing mate is something anyone can learn. The key is to use the right tools in the right way. For a classic yerba mate preparation, begin by filling the calabash three-quarters full with mate leaves. Shake the calabash so that the fine powder settles onto your hand. Then tilt the vessel to roughly 45 degrees and gently pour warm to hot water over the base to moisten the bottom. Allow it to infuse for a few moments, then place your bombilla against the side of the calabash. You can now pour more water over half of the mate. Your preparation is ready: it is time to enjoy. Throughout the day, you can continue to add hot water to the calabash and keep drinking your mate, making the most of its benefits for as long as possible.
Bombilla and Calabash: the Different Variations
There is no single type of mate calabash. Depending on where you buy it and the budget you wish to spend, there are several varieties to choose from. You might, for example, opt for a handcrafted, natural wooden mate calabash. Some Argentine mate calabashes feature a ceramic rim. You can also find ceramic, leather or handmade calabash models. Alongside these classic options, there are also footed calabashes: larger vessels with a greater capacity, often used when sharing mate with others in a warm, convivial setting.
Caring for Your Mate Calabash
Proper care of your mate calabash is essential to ensure you can drink from it safely. Start by curing the calabash before first use. To do this, fill it with mate and pour hot water inside. Leave it to rest overnight. The next day, scrape the inner walls of the calabash to remove any wood residue effectively. Repeat this process carefully, then rinse and leave the calabash to dry in the sun. It is then ready to use. During regular daily use, avoid leaving yerba mate sitting in the calabash for too long. Which calabash should you choose? If easy maintenance is a priority, glass or ceramic models are the most practical. As for the bombilla, rinse it after each use. Around once a month, give it a deeper clean by soaking it in boiling water for about 30 minutes before scrubbing it thoroughly with a brush.