I picked up a Yerba Mate Gourd and Bombilla (a straw that also acts as a filter) today for under 15 dollars at my local heath food store.  The gourd and bombilla allows you to steep the mate in the gourd and filter the drink all in one.  My gourd was un-cured, and I’m currently in the process of curing it.  Essentially you brew a strong batch of yerba mate using boiling water and allow it to sit for 24 hours.  This makes some of the gourd skin loose, which you’ll scrape out with a spoon.  Many recommend doing this twice before using.

After curing, caring for your gourd is quite easy.  Simply rinsing it out with water (no soap) and drying it properly will be enough to prevent mold.