Yerba mate is a traditional South American tea that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is made by steeping dried yerba mate leaves in hot water, and is typically sipped through a bombilla, which is a straw with a filter on the end.

Over time, the bombilla can become clogged with yerba mate leaves and other sediment. This can make it challenging to draw the tea through the straw, and can also affect the taste of the mate.

Why does a yerba mate bombilla get clogged?

There are a few reasons why a yerba mate bombilla can become clogged:

  • Over-steeping: If you steep yerba mate for too long, the leaves will release more tannins and other compounds, which can clog the bombilla.
  • Using too fine yerba leaves for bombilla: If you use too fine yerba leaves for your bombilla, they will be more likely to clog it. If you like more powdery yerba mate, try to use bombilla for more powdery yerba types like Brazillian bomba for chimarrão.
  • Not cleaning the bombilla regularly: If you do not clean the bombilla regularly, yerba mate leaves and other sediment can build up and clog the filter.

How to fix a clogged yerba mate bombilla

There are a few ways to fix a clogged yerba mate bombilla:

  • Run the bombilla under hot water: This can help to dissolve any yerba mate leaves or other sediment that is clogging the filter.
  • Use a bombilla cleaning brush: There are special brushes available that are designed to clean yerba mate bombillas. You can also use a toothbrush.
  • Soak the bombilla in vinegar: Soaking the bombilla in vinegar for a few minutes can help to remove any stubborn stains or sediment.
  • Replace the bombilla: If the bombilla is very old or damaged, it may be necessary to replace it.

How to prevent a yerba mate bombilla from getting clogged

There are a few things you can do to prevent your yerba mate bombilla from getting clogged:

  • Do not over-steep the yerba mate: A good rule of thumb is to steep yerba mate for 3-5 minutes.
  • Use more coarser yerba mate leaves: This will help to prevent the leaves from clogging the bombilla.
  • Use a bombilla with a large filter: This will give the yerba mate leaves more room to circulate, and will make it less likely that the bombilla will clog.
  • Clean the bombilla regularly: After using the bombilla, rinse it out with hot water. You can also use a bombilla cleaning brush or soak it in vinegar to remove any stubborn stains or sediment.

By following these tips, you can keep your yerba mate bombilla clean and prevent it from getting clogged. This will help you to enjoy your mate for many years to come.