Yerba Mate 101: Uncovering the Secrets of Selecting a Gourd/Cup.

Dive into the world of Yerba Mate with this detailed guide on selecting the perfect gourd that suits your needs while delivering a refreshing and mouth-watering experience of the Mate.

What even is that “Gourd” thing?

It is the container in which the Yerba Mate Tea is served. Also known as mate or matero (picture below). It is commonly made from calabash plant but may also be made out of other materials.

Selecting the perfect gourd for me was a hustle. The overwhelm I had by the amount of options was tiring. However, the upside is that the diversity of choices ensures there’s a suitable match for every taste, ranging from classic Calabash gourds to recent glass or metal alternatives.

Your choice of gourd can significantly impact your experience, either enhancing or influencing the flavor.

The decision on a gourd ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. With various sizes, shapes, and materials available, each option comes with specific advantages and disadvantages. Whether you lean towards the traditional or modern, each gourd type differs in functionality and ease of use.

In this article, we will dive into the world of gourds, introducing six distinct types that span from traditional to modern materials. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable insights into the proper maintenance of your chosen gourd. Join me as I navigate through the types of Yerba Mate gourds, helping you make an informed choice for an enhanced and enjoyable experience!

Crucial factors to choosing your Yerba Mate Gourd

Type of Yerba Mate Tea:

• Organic Materials (like calabash, wood, or bone): Need curing to avoid mold and add flavor.
• Non-organic Materials: Don’t absorb taste and are easier to maintain.

Tea Preference and Size:

• Argentinian Style: Use smaller cups for steeping leaves (technique of making Yerba Mate).
• Brazilian Chimarão Mate: Go for a larger gourd.
• Paraguayan Tereré & Uruguayan Style: Look for a medium-sized gourd.

Consider how much effort you want to put into maintenance, especially for organic ones needing curing. Shapes and sizes are personal choices — heavier for a solid feel or travel-friendly options like silicone or metal. Match your choice with your tea habits and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with doing.

Explore the seven types of mate gourds, catering to various lifestyles:

• Wood
• Calabash
• Vidrio (Glass)
• Ceramic
• Metal
• Silicone
• Guampas

While some, like wood and calabash, hold traditional roots, modern materials such as glass, ceramic, and silicone are gaining popularity for their user-friendly features.

Each type comes with its pros and cons, so I recommend to choose the Mate gourd that suits your lifestyle.

Selecting a Wood Mate Gourd

Wooden mate gourds, typically crafted from palo santo, Algarrobo, or coastal Spanish cedar trees, offer unique characteristics.

The choice of wood influences the gourd, adding a slight piney taste and enhancing the aroma of Yerba Mate.

Pros:

• Easy to use and highly popular.
• Comfortable shape for a secure grip.
• Provides insulation and safeguards against hot water.
• Simple to clean and dry after use.

Cons:

• Holds less than calabash gourds.
• Requires curing before use.
• Prone to cracking with hot water and repeated use.
• Considered one of the more fragile mate gourds.

Various types of woods contribute to the creation of the gourds, each offering unique experiences:

Lignum Vitae:

• Pros: Rich color variation, exceptionally hard and durable.
• Cons: Heavier than other woods, prone to little cracks.

Carob (Algarrobo):

• Pros: Lightweight, gives a slight pine taste to Mate.
• Cons: Less durable, may swell during curing.

Holy Stick (Palo Santo):

• Pros: Beautiful with rich color and intricate grain patterns, adds a slight pine taste to Mate.
• Cons: Prone to cracking during curing, sensitive to temperatures.

Cedar:

• Pros: Lightweight, soft, gives a slight pine/oak taste to Mate.
• Cons: May swell during curing, considered less durable.

Understanding the characteristics of each wood type allows for informed decisions when selecting a wooden Yerba Mate gourd based on preferences and priorities.

Selecting a Calabash Mate Gourd

Calabash gourds, rooted in tradition, offer a classic way to enjoy Yerba Mate. Crafted from dried and hollowed squash, this method has been practiced for centuries in South America.

• Pros: Available in various sizes and shapes, easily accessible, all-natural, and represent the traditional Argentine way of enjoying Mate.
• Cons: The inside may retain squash flakes and be prone to mold. Curing is necessary before use to prevent a bitter taste, involving closing the gourd’s pores.

Types of Calabash Mate Gourds:

• Cuia (Porongo Calabash Gourds): Made from the gourd’s top half, used for drinking chimarrao (Brazilian Mate), often requiring a stand for stability.

Choosing a calabash gourd aligns with a cultural and historical approach to enjoying Yerba Mate, although proper care is essential for a delightful taste experience.

Choosing a Bone Mate Gourd

Guampas (bone) gourds are used for tereré, iced Yerba Mate, which is Paraguay’s national drink.

Dive into the fascinating world of Bone Mate Gourds with the unique Guampa variety, where tradition meets functionality. Crafted from the horn of a bull, the guampa stands tall and narrow, has a distinctive design that aligns perfectly with Paraguay’s cultural gem — tereré.

Tereré, Paraguay’s national drink, introduces a refreshing twist to the Yerba Mate experience. Enjoyed iced and often in social gatherings or warm weather, it has become a symbol of sociability and relaxation. The guampa gourd, specifically tailored for tereré, captures the essence of this tradition, making every sip a cultural journey.

What makes the guampa even more intriguing is its role as an emblem of Paraguay. Beyond its practical use, it serves as a cultural artifact, a symbol deeply rooted in the heritage of a nation that takes pride in its unique Mate rituals.

However, it’s important to note that the guampa’s unique shape isn’t suitable for the traditional Yerba Mate ritual. If you’re venturing into the world of bone Mate gourds, the guampa is your ticket to experiencing the refreshingness of tereré, a delightful blend of cultural richness and Mate enjoyment.

Choosing Non-Organic Mate Gourds

Discover modern alternatives to traditional Yerba Mate gourds with options like glass, ceramic, metal, and silicone. Unlike their organic counterparts, these gourds require no curing and are easy to clean.

1. Vidrio (Glass Mate Gourds):

• A contemporary choice, Vidrio, or glass Mate gourds, offer a modern, minimalistic and sleek feel.
• Made from thick tempered glass in various sizes, they allow you to enjoy Yerba Mate without additional flavors from wood or calabash gourds.

2. Ceramic Mate Gourds:

• Crafted from porcelain, ceramic Mate gourds come in diverse designs and textures.
• Similar to glass gourds, they require no curing and are less prone to molding compared to wood and calabash gourds.

3. Metal Mate Gourds:

• Usually made of stainless steel, metal Mate gourds use double-wall technology for extended heat retention.
• Durable and easy to hold, they provide a modern twist while keeping your Mate hot for an extended period.

4. Silicone Mate Gourds:

• A newer entrant, silicone mate gourds come in various designs and shapes.
• Offering excellent heat insulation, they are dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean and maintain.

While these non-traditional gourds lack the traditional charm of calabash and wood, their convenience and diverse features are perfect for those seeking a more modern Mate experience.

Caring and Maintaining Your Mate Gourd

For ceramic, metal, silicone, or glass Mate gourds, a simple wash before use is sufficient. However, if you own a calabash or wooden Mate gourd, curing is essential to prevent mold and a bitter taste.

Curing Process (for Calabash or Wood Gourds):

1. Wash the gourd with water, removing any loose plant material.
2. Gently scrape the inside to eliminate sticking plant material.
3. Fill the gourd with used yerba leaves and warm water
   (about 167°F or 75°C).
4. Allow it to sit for a minimum of 12 hours.
5. The next day, repeat the process.
6. After two cycles, rinse and let the gourd dry.

Dealing with Mold:

• If mold appears, fill the gourd with boiling water and let it rest for 25–30 minutes.
• Pour out the water and let it dry for three days.
• Mold cannot survive without moisture, and this process eliminates the issue.

Maintenance Tips:

• Avoid using soap! — Rinse using hot water instead.
• Consider owning multiple gourds to rotate usage, allowing each to rest and last longer.
• If using daily, explore gourds made of non-organic materials like glass or metal.

Caring for your Mate gourd ensures a lasting and mold-free companion for your daily Yerba Mate ritual.

Conclusion

Selecting the perfect Mate gourd is a journey that blends tradition, material preferences, and personal taste. Whether you opt for the classic charm of calabash or explore the modern convenience of glass or metal, each choice contributes to a unique Yerba Mate ritual.

Understanding the diverse materials and their maintenance requirements is key to preserving the integrity of your Mate gourd. From the rich history of wooden gourds to the sleek efficiency of glass or silicone, the world of Mate vessels offers a spectrum of choices to suit every palate.

Remember, the care you invest in your Mate gourd ensures not just its longevity, but also the quality of your daily Yerba Mate experience. So, embark on this flavorful journey, explore the variety, and let your chosen Mate gourd become a part of your unique Yerba Mate experience.

Thank You!

As we part ways, I extend my heartfelt thanks for sharing this mate-infused journey with me. May your chosen Mate gourd bring you endless joy and flavor. Until our paths cross again, sip on, enjoy, and embrace the richness of each mate moment. Farewell and happy sipping!

Warm regards, Florunio :)