Bombilla – how to care for it properly?
Bombilla is one of the gadgets necessary to enjoy the clarity of yerba mate. Its unusual design makes it much easier to drink the brew, but also means that thorough cleaning can be problematic. However, this is nothing to worry about! In today's blog article, we explain how to clean a bombilla so that it will serve you for a long time and shine in pristine cleanliness. Here we go!
Summary:
- Is bombilla essential for drinking yerba mate?
- Bombilla – why is it important to clean it regularly?
- Bombilla cleaner – your daily essential
- No dirt can escape! The way to thoroughly clean your yerba mate tubes
Is bombilla essential for drinking yerba mate?
Before we get down to specifics – ways to have a clean and shiny bombilla – let's consider whether we need a yerba mate filter tube at all? As any flesh-and-blood mateist knows well, there is an ancient tradition and culture of the Guarani Indians associated with drinking yerba mate. It is a certain ritual that requires the right steps to be performed and dedicated tools to be used. In order to prepare and drink the brew, it is necessary to have a suitable vessel – mate cup and a filtering tube, the bombilla. Yes, it is possible to brew mate tea without them. We have written about alternative ways of drinking yerba mate in this article. You can replace the mate gourd with a regular cup, and instead of filtering the grounds with a bombilla, you can use a tea brewer, a French press or choose mate cocido, in sachets instead of the traditional “loose” form. However, all these methods take away the magic and mystery of the yerba mate brewing ritual, so if we intend to drink it according to tradition, the bombilla and the mate cup are essential!
Bombilla – why is it important to clean it regularly?
Washing the bombilla regularly is very important. We should treat it like an ordinary piece of cutlery – a spoon or fork, which we wash after each use. Regardless of the material of the bombilla, any contact with moisture contributes to the oxidation process. This has the effect of, firstly, destroying the structure of the yerba mate tube and, secondly, can lead to the formation of mould which is harmful to health. Furthermore, studies have shown that both from the brew to the bombilla and from the mouth to the bombilla, harmful bacteria can enter. In a dirty or not thoroughly washed bombilla, bacteria have the perfect conditions to thrive. A dark green, foul smelling ooze is deposited inside the tube and filter. Now imagine drinking yerba mate through a bombilla and having this ooze enter your mouth... Bleee!
Bombilla cleaner – your daily essential
Daily maintenance of the bombilla is key to its longevity and cleanliness, so it is worth taking care of it from day one of its use. The most common type of yerba mate tube is the stainless steel or alpaca bombilla, so we will focus on how to clean just this type. The main problem, when it comes to cleaning these accessories, is the sediment that collects inside due to frequent contact with moisture. Simply rinsing the bombilla with water, water with detergent or even washing it in the dishwasher may not be enough, and if the residue are not removed regularly, the strainer may become clogged, making it impossible to drink yerba mate comfortably. How to quickly clean a bombilla after drinking yerba mate? The basic accessory for cleaning a bombilla is a cleaner. The cleaner is a wire coated with a soft touch material that allows you to gently wipe the inside of the bombilla. Another type of bombilla cleaner is a brush equipped with stiff bristles that collect well any dirt from inside the tube. How to use them to clean a bombilla? To clean the tube, simply place the cleaner or brush inside the tube and rotate it carefully. Repeat this process several times and, finally, don't forget to rinse the bombilla and the cleaner thoroughly!
No dirt can escape! The way to thoroughly clean your yerba mate tubes
Cleaning bombillas with a cleaner should be a daily habit of every mateist. The easiest to maintain are the unscrewable bombillas, which can easily be taken apart and reach almost every nook and cranny. In the case of unscrewed bombillas, the matter is a little more complicated, because even regular use of a cleaner will not prevent dirt from accumulating in the most inaccessible places. From time to time, every bombilla needs a thorough cleaning, which requires a little more time.
Bombilla – how to clean it effectively? The best and most effective way to clean a bombilla is to boil it in a solution of water, baking soda and citric acid. You will need a pot, large enough in diameter so that you can immerse the entire bombilla in it. If it is possible to unscrew it, it is a good idea to do so before putting it in the solution – this will speed up the cleaning process. How to prepare the liquid? Add two teaspoons of baking soda and a teaspoon of citric acid to a litre of water. If you do not have any acid on hand, you can replace it with vinegar in the same proportions. Stir the mixture and bring to the boil, then place the bombilla in the pot for about 15 minutes. After a while, the particles of sediment should start to peel off by themselves from the tube. However, if there is a little left inside, you can use a cleaner or an ordinary paper towel. Afterwards, rinse the bombilla under running water. If the smell of soda or citric acid remains, you can repeat the whole process – this time “boiling” the bombilla in clean water. It is a good idea to repeat the operation of thorough cleaning of the bombilla at least once a week, in order to prevent the accumulation of disgusting residue inside, full of bacteria and harmful substances.
The secret of bombilla cleaning solved! If you want to take care of your gadget, you will find links to useful accessories and kits below this article. Enjoy your shopping!
Source of information:
- Wikipedia: Mate (drink), Bombilla.
- L. Monges, D. Defazio, G. Martinez, C. M. Rios-González, Presencia de bacterias en bombillas para infusiones y en cavidad oral de pacientes con salud periodontal y antecedentes de enfermedad periodontal: análisis exploratorio, Memorias del Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, 2021.
