Yerba Mate Gourds: Which to Choose and Why

Yerba mate is more than just a beverage; it’s a cultural experience rich with tradition. The vessel you choose to drink your mate from—known as a gourd—can significantly impact both the flavor and the ritual of your yerba mate practice. Let’s explore the various types of yerba mate gourds, their unique characteristics, and why you might choose one over the others.

Calabash Gourds

Calabash gourds, made from the dried and hollowed-out shell of a squash, are the most traditional vessels for drinking yerba mate. They come in various sizes and shapes, just like the calabash plant they are made of, and you can be sure that no two calabash gourds are the same. These were the very first yerba mate drinking vessels used by South American materos, and they still hold their traditional status in the yerba mate community.

These gourds must be properly cured before use to remove any bitter taste and prevent molding​​. They can also be quite fragile and prone to cracking if dropped or filled with water that is too hot.

Pros:

• Most authentic drinking experience.
• Each gourd is completely unique.
• Deepens the flavor of the yerba mate over time.

Cons:

• Requires curing and careful maintenance.
• Prone to molding if not properly dried.
• Can be prone to cracking.

Wooden Gourds

Wooden gourds, often made from woods like palo santo or carob, are also among the traditional yerba mate vessels. They will add a unique, earthy flavor to your yerba mate, and the feel of a wooden gourd is an experience like no other.

These gourds are also the most fragile and can grow mold easily if not treated properly. However, if you cure your wooden gourd regularly and don’t fill it with boiling water or drop it, it will serve you forever and reward you with an unparalleled aroma and feel.

Pros:

• Enhances the flavor of yerba mate with woody notes.
• Beautiful and natural appearance, pleasant to hold.

Cons:

• Requires curing and maintenance.
• Can crack if exposed to extreme temperatures.

 Ceramic Gourds

Ceramic gourds are an excellent choice for beginners due to their ease of use. Unlike traditional gourds, they don’t require curing and are easy to clean. Ceramic also maintains the temperature well, ensuring your mate stays hot or cold as desired​.

Pros:

• No need for curing.
• Easy to clean and will not grow mold.
• Insulate heat well.

Cons:

• Less traditional.
• Can break if dropped.

 Glass Gourds

Glass gourds provide a modern twist to the yerba mate experience, allowing you to see the yerba and the infusion process. They have all the advantages of ceramic gourds, are easy to clean and don’t retain flavors, making them versatile for various types of yerba mate​.

Pros:

• Easy to clean.
• No flavor retention.
• Allow you to see the brewing process.

Cons:

• Fragile and can break easily.
• Less traditional feel.

Silicone Gourds

Silicone gourds are a relatively modern and very practical invention, especially for beginners and those who want to enjoy yerba mate on the go. They are virtually indestructible, lightweight, and don’t require curing or complicated maintenance. Their flexibility makes them easy to pack and carry​.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and portable.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Lacks traditional appeal.
• Can tip over easily due to light weight.

 Stainless Steel Gourds

Stainless steel gourds are praised for their durability and insulation properties. They keep your mate at the desired temperature (hot or cold tereré) for longer and are resistant to breakage and mold. These gourds are particularly good for beginners due to their ease of use and maintenance.

Pros:

• Extremely durable.
• Excellent insulation for hot and cold mate.
• Easy to clean and no curing needed.

Cons:

• Less traditional.
• Can be heavier than other types.

 Brazilian Cuias

Brazilian cuias are large, round gourds traditionally used for drinking chimarrão, a finely ground Brazilian type of yerba mate. They are made from the same plant as calabash gourds, only from its upper part, which gives them a beautiful curved shape.

These gourds are often beautifully decorated and provide a distinctive drinking experience. The preparation of chimarrão in a cuia is an art form, requiring some skill to create the perfect frothy brew​. Cuias, however, can be used for all types of yerba and in that way they are similar to calabash gourds.

Pros:

• Large capacity, ideal for sharing.
• Unique and traditional.
• Enhance the flavor and experiecne of drinking chimarrão.

Cons:

• Require curing and maintenance.
• Can be fragile if not handled carefully.

Guampas

Guampas, often used in Paraguay, are made specifically for tereré, a cold version of yerba mate. Guampas are traditionally carved from cattle horns, however, you can also find them in stainless steel, glass or wood. These gourds are indespensible for tereré lovers and make for a great and memorable gift.

Pros:

• Unique and traditional.
• Perfect for tereré.
• Durable and relatively easy to maintain.

Cons:

• Not suitable for hot yerba mate.

Conclusion

Choosing the right yerba mate gourd depends on your personal preferences and how you prioritize tradition, flavor, and convenience. For an authentic experience, calabash and wooden gourds are unmatched; if ease of use and maintenance are your priorities, consider ceramic, glass, or stainless steel gourds. For durability and portability, silicone gourds are your best bet.

Ultimately, the best gourd is the one that fits seamlessly into your yerba mate ritual, enhancing both the flavor and the experience of the beverage. Good luck with finding your perfect match!