You may have noticed with a hint of concern green spots in your mate gourd . These marks, while quite common, can raise questions and concerns about the quality and safety of your mate drinking experience. But don’t worry , you’re not alone in this situation.
In this article, we will explore together why these green spots appear and, more importantly, how to recognize mold on your gourd and how to make it disappear?
Summary
Understanding Stains in Mate Gourds
There are many myths about stains in mate gourds. One of the most common is that any stain of unusual color or texture is a sign of mold or spoilage. However, green or black stains are natural and beneficial, enriching the taste of the mate over time.
Green spots in the gourd
If you've noticed green or black spots on the inside of your gourd, you might be concerned. Is it mold? Is your gourd still usable? Rest assured, these spots are not only natural, but they play an essential role in the mate experience.
To understand the origin of the stains in your gourd, it is essential to look at the tannins. These natural compounds present in the mate leaves are responsible for the progressive coloring of the inside of your gourd . As the mate infuses, the tannins soak into the wall of the gourd, forming green stains over time that gradually turn black.
Beyond the aesthetic aspect, these stains play a crucial role in improving the taste of your mate . Much like Japanese stoneware teapots , which are known for absorbing the flavors of brewed teas over time, tannin-infused mate gourds help enrich the flavor of each brew. This natural flavor-enriching process is something to celebrate, not fear.
Another aspect of mate tannins is the protection of the gourd , as the tannins accumulate, they will create a protective layer for your gourd, thus limiting the likelihood of mold. This protective layer will also smooth the inside and allow your gourd to dry faster. All positive !
Green spot after cleaning
Black spots in the gourd
Natural gourds , made from squash , are all unique and can react completely differently.
Some gourds will develop green colorations that will then turn black over time. Others will directly develop a black coloration.
As you will have understood, the black spots are exactly identical to the green spots , as we have seen previously. These are absolutely not molds, but tannins. So there is no risk for your gourd or your health!
Green and black stain due to tannins
Identifying Mold in Your Natural Gourd
Knowing how to identify mold is essential to keeping your gourd in good condition. Unlike natural stains, mold appears as white marks or filaments , often fuzzy or cottony to the touch . This type of contamination can occur if the gourd is not properly dried after curing and in the first moments of life or if it is stored in humid conditions.
The distinction between natural stains and mold is crucial. Natural stains due to tannins are usually green or black and are uniformly integrated into the inner surface of the gourd. Mold, on the other hand, often appears in distinct patches or clumps and may be accompanied by an unpleasant odor .
Prevention is the best strategy to avoid mold growth. This involves drying your gourd thoroughly after each use and storing it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Additionally, it is recommended to empty and rinse the gourd to remove mate residue and prevent mold growth after each use.
Mold in a mate gourd
How to remove mold from your mate gourd
1. Early Identification: The key to effectively removing mold is to detect it early. The sooner it is identified, the easier it will be to remove.
2. Partial cleaning: If the mold has not invaded the entire interior, you can remove it by gently scraping the affected areas with a spoon. Then, rinse the gourd with hot water (90°).
3. Pre-treatment: Before cleaning, it is strongly recommended to apply a mixture of lemon, white vinegar and hot water (90°). Let this solution act for 2 to 4 hours.
4. Complete cleaning for extensive mold: If the mold has invaded the entire interior surface, a complete cleaning will be necessary.
Maintenance and prevention of natural gourds
Maintaining a mate gourd in good condition requires more or less careful maintenance in the first moments of the gourd's life . This involves cleaning after each use to remove mate residue and prevent the accumulation of moisture , which can promote mold growth. Use warm water to clean the inside of the gourd, then let it air dry completely.
Drying is a crucial step in maintaining your gourd. After cleaning, turn the gourd upside down and let it drain to prevent water from pooling at the bottom of the gourd, then let it dry in a well-ventilated area in its normal position . Avoid placing it in humid environments or turning it upside down after cleaning, as this can create an environment conducive to mold growth.
To prolong the life of your calabash, it is recommended to avoid using detergents or strong soaps that could alter the taste of the mate or damage the calabash. Apart from that, our calabashes are made from the best materials and are designed to last. In fact, we guarantee them for at least 5 years !
For more tips on caring for your gourd and bombilla , we have an article on the subject!
Beginning of the effects of tannins on a natural gourd
