Gourds in Mate

Welcome to our buyer's guide to choosing the ideal mate gourd, the essential accessory for enjoying this traditional South American drink.

The calabash, far more than a simple container, embodies the soul of the mate ceremony, connecting lovers of this infusion to the deep cultural roots of its consumption.

The mate gourd is one of the essential tools, along with the mate bombilla , for consuming mate in the traditional way.

It serves as a traditional container for brewing and drinking mate .

Derived from a fruit, the squash , ours are created in a handcrafted way, for a period of 6 months to 2 years .

The creation of the final mate cup involves a meticulous process and several essential manufacturing steps to guarantee its quality and authenticity:

1. Careful harvesting of the squash :
   Carefully selected for its qualities and size, the squash is harvested at optimal maturity.
   
   
2. Emptying and meticulous drying :
   After harvesting, the squash is carefully emptied of its contents and left to dry, a crucial step to ensure its strength and durability.
   
   
3. Artistic and technical finishes:

• The application of the leather adds a touch of elegance and durability.
• The metal banding, which reinforces the structure while providing an aesthetic finish.
• Engraving, a delicate process that personalizes each mate cup, making it unique.

To learn more about the making , care or even preparation of your mate with the mate gourd, we invite you to consult our blog .

Mate gourds come in various shapes and sizes, each offering a distinct tasting experience.

Among the most popular types are the Torpedoes , the Camioneros , and the Imperials .

Here is a description of these three main types of mate gourds:

Torpedo gourds

Torpedo gourds get their name from their elongated and tapered shape, reminiscent of a torpedo .

They are particularly appreciated for their comfortable grip and their ability to offer a large contact surface between the water and the yerba mate , which allows for a rich and complete infusion.

Also, their shape offers a windproof aspect, which is quite practical when consuming food or drinks outdoors!

The Camioneros gourds

Camioneros gourds are renowned for their robustness and practical shape, designed specifically for people on the move, as their name suggests ("truckers" in French).

They often feature a widened base for better stability and a tapered body towards the top to minimize spills, which is ideal for drinking mate while driving or travelling.

Imperial gourds

Imperial gourds are distinguished by their generous size and their rounded shape, offering a greater capacity than other types of gourds.

This feature makes it an ideal choice for group mate , allowing you to share the drink with family and friends without needing to frequently refill the gourd.

Imperials are often lavishly decorated , highlighting their status as gourds intended for special occasions or for passionate consumers seeking a centerpiece for their collection.