Advice : how to choose a maté calabash ?

A gourd is a container in which yerba mate is prepared. Originally, the gourd was hollowed out of a squash and then dried. Its name comes from the bottle-shaped fruit used for its manufacture. Nowadays, it goes by several names: mate gourd, mate pot, mate flask, or mate cup.
To enjoy a real yerba mate, place the tea leaves in the pot, then pour simmering water over them. To drink your tea, you must use a straw, the bombilla.
Another method is to prepare the mate like an infusion, with a tea ball or a bag.

How to choose a mate gourd?

To choose your gourd well, you must consider 3 criteria:

1. The material: the selection of your container depends on your level of experience. An expert will prefer a traditional squash gourd, while a beginner will lean towards glass or stainless steel gourds, which are easier to use.
2. The volume: the capacity of a gourd varies from 100 to 500 ml.
3. The price: the price of a gourd varies depending on the manufacturing material.

Which type of mate gourd to choose?

To enjoy a good yerba mate, selecting your container is essential. There are many products, it's up to you to find the pot that suits you.

Squash mate gourds

The traditional gourd is made of squash. This product, rather reserved for enthusiasts, is quite fragile and requires rigorous maintenance. Before first use, you must cure the pot to remove residues.

Wooden mate gourds

The wooden gourd is often a small-sized container, perfect for individual consumption. Like the squash gourd, the wooden gourd must be cured before first use.
There are also bamboo gourds. Although very aesthetic, these products are not very resistant to moisture and mold quickly.

Ceramic mate gourds

The ceramic gourd is the first non-traditional container. This type of gourd is easier to use and requires little maintenance. However, the ceramic gourd is quite fragile and does not keep heat for long.

Metal mate gourds

The metal gourd is the ideal product for beginners discovering mate. This container, made of stainless steel or aluminum, is sturdy, insulated, and easy to maintain.

Glass mate gourds

Glass gourds are both beautiful and practical objects. You can find products covered with leather or fabric. Glass does not alter the taste of mate, unlike squash or wooden gourds.

Plastic or silicone gourds

Plastic or silicone gourds are inexpensive and require little maintenance. These containers often have a space for the straw.

Fruit gourds

You can also enjoy your mate in a cut and hollowed fruit: grapefruit, coconut... A true invitation to travel! Reserve this for a special occasion as this preparation takes a bit of time and the fruit does not keep.

You can also consult these other pages:

• Bombilla