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The mate gourd is THE basic container to be able to drink a mate properly.
But, choosing a gourd can be complicated when you don't have the right information.
So here is a guide with everything you need to know to choose your mate gourd.
It is the container used for the preparation of mate and it is not uncommon for it to be called by other names.
Traditional gourds are made from squash (hence the name gourd, which is the name of the fruit used to make the mate container).
Gourd: the fruit (on the left) and the container (on the right)
The container used is normally called "a mate", but by misuse of language and for simplification, we always refer to the container as "a gourd", regardless of its material.
For the same reason, it is common for the container to be called by other names such as:
Unlike most beverages, the container in which mate is consumed plays an essential role in its consumption. The choice of a gourd can make the "mate experience" a success or a failure (especially when you start drinking it).
So, here are the main criteria to look at when choosing a mate gourd:
If there were only one criterion to consider, it would be this one (by far!).
While the authentic and traditional gourd (made from squash) is obviously the choice of the informed matero, it is not really suitable for someone who is discovering this drink.
Why?
Because it needs to be cured before its first use (a specific cleaning process) and requires special maintenance at the risk of quickly deteriorating and/or molding.
Aside from the classic gourd, there are now many types of gourds made from various materials. They are detailed in the central part of this article: The different types of mate gourds.
The volume of a gourd can range from 100 mL to half a liter.
A small container (around 150-300 mL) is ideal for individual consumption, while a large gourd (over 400 mL) is better suited for group consumption or for someone who drinks a lot of mate.
Choosing a gourd of the right size allows for the proper amount of yerba mate to be used. Indeed, a gourd that is too large requires a significant amount of mate leaves. So, be careful not to waste!
The price of a gourd can vary greatly as the choice is wide: from a simple squash at €10 to an art object that costs a three-digit sum. So, it's best to choose wisely.
The squash gourd is the traditional object for preparing mate. It is made from a squash that is dried and then hollowed out.
Learn more: How traditional squash gourds are made
Squash mate cup
This type of container is appreciated by mate enthusiasts. However, it is not particularly suitable for those who are discovering this drink, as it needs to be cured before its first use and requires special maintenance.
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In a few words: The traditional squash gourd is the ideal container for purists, but we do not recommend it for those who are discovering mate and/or have only recently started drinking this beverage. This is for two main reasons:
The wooden calabash is another type of traditional calabash. It can be made from several types of trees, but the most commonly used is palo santo, a variety found in South America.
Wooden calabashes are often small in size and are therefore suitable for individual consumption.
Just like gourd calabashes, they also need to be cured before first use.
Wooden mate cup
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The ceramic calabash is not a traditional container, but it was one of the first models invented after the gourd calabashes and wooden calabashes.
Unlike the calabashes mentioned above, it has the advantage of being more hygienic and practical because it does not need to be cured.
It is also easier to clean. However, it is quite fragile and does not retain heat very well.
Ceramic mate cup
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In addition to being beautiful objects, these calabashes do not need to be cured and are easy to clean.
The glass calabash is, in our opinion, one of the best alternatives.
But it is also the favorite container of mate sommeliers (yes, they exist!) because glass does not affect the taste of mate, unlike gourds made of gourd or wood.
They can be found in many forms: entirely in glass, covered with fabrics or leather...
Mate cups in glass covered with leather
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You can prepare your mate directly in a fruit (orange, grapefruit, coconut…).
It has a very nice aspect, but takes time, as a new fruit must be used for each new mate.
Rather occasional, then.
Fruit mate cup
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This type of gourd has the advantage of being practical (easy to transport and clean) and does not require curing. However, its appearance is far from elegant.
Silicone mate cup
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Although very aesthetic, these gourds are not highly recommended, as they are very sensitive to humidity and mold quite quickly.
Bamboo mate cup
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This container is somewhat of a colored plastic cup. Some models have a slot for a mate straw.
Plastic mate cup
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The metal gourd is the most popular type of gourd in recent years, as it has almost only advantages.
Aside from the fact that these containers are not "traditional", they fulfill all the functions one looks for in a good gourd: they do not need to be cured, they retain heat well, they are sturdy, and they are easy to clean.
It is possible to find them in different materials (alpaca, silver, stainless steel, or even aluminum) and some models have the advantage of having a very sleek design.
Metal mate cup
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For us, the metal gourd is the quintessential modern gourd.
It allows you to drink mate in a traditional way without having to worry about the disadvantages of classic gourds.
An ideal container, both for those discovering mate and for those who want a simple-to-use mate cup. In fact, this type of gourd makes up the majority of our mate discovery kits.
The squash gourd is the traditional object by definition. But we recommend it primarily to those who are already accustomed to drinking mate, as it requires a certain level of maintenance.
However, it is important to pay attention to obtaining a quality squash (be careful with entry-level ones that are very thin and break/crack rather quickly).
A quality gourd made from squash can be expensive, but if well maintained, it can be used for years. A high-end gourd is a real investment for a true matero!
A guide that helps you know which gourd to choose, or what the "best mate gourd" is, would not be complete without indicating where to obtain it.
We are fortunate to be able to offer an ideal selection of mate gourds where you can find almost all types of gourds that we recommend. There is something to satisfy every type of mate enthusiast: from the novice to the seasoned matero.
You can find our models of gourds in stainless steel or other more elaborate types of gourds (Torpedo, Imperial...).
