Description
Bombilla
The traditional way of drinking mate tea requires the use of a mate straw (bombilla) and a mate gourd (calabash).
Bombilla is composed of two parts, and is both a strainer and a straw.
The strainer or lower end is perforated and looks like a metal filter. Its purpose is to separate the liquid from the leaves. The strainer, i.e. the filter, can be removed and opened for better maintenance and cleaning of the bombilla. The upper part, or straw, can vary in length, depending on the type of bombilla.
Traditional bombillas are made of various materials. Some are made of copper and nickel (called alpaca silver or German silver). Stainless steel and silver are also used, sometimes in combination with gold plating. Bombillas were also made from cane, reed and straw. Silver bombillas were used by the privileged, while those made of straw were used by people of lower means.
Mate was originally consumed by the Guarani people. They lived in today’s Paraguay and its surroundings. At first the leaves were chewed, then maté gourds and small straws made of reed would be used.
In order to make a bombila, it is necessary to first choose a thin stick of suitable diameter. Then they would cut it below the cane knot to about 20cm length. The knot was then drilled several times to make small holes.
Another technique is cutting between the nodes and then use a small hollow fruit that adapts to the stick.
The third technique is making a small net from plant fibers that was placed on a reed.
In our stores you can find the necessary equipment as well as tea for traditional mate drinking, and enjoying it.
You can view our yerba mate offer here.
You can view our mate equipment here.
