There are so many types of yerba mate gourds that sometimes it becomes hard to differentiate them and choose the one you like the most. Not all beverages depend on the container as much as it is for the mate. Drinking it is a whole ancient Argentinian tradition, so if you really want to get heads down into it, take a look at the different types of mate gourds and some tips and tricks to choose the perfect one!

1. Natural, Hand Made Yerba Mate Gourds

Traditional yerba mate lovers prefer this type of gourd among all and it might probably be the first one you’ll buy. They are made of a climbing plant called Legendaria Vulgaris (squash plant) so the shape and size can vary. The artisans will, first, cut the pumpkin to create the bowl shape and then scrape the inside.

Even though they are hard as wood, they could also be very delicate and thin. Make sure you don’t drop them on the floor as it can potentially break into pieces. Pouring very hot water will also damage and crack the gourd, so make sure you take care of it.

The ones with a wide opening are perfect for abundant mate yielding since the yerba takes longer to get wet. This yerba mate cup will add to that natural flavor you get from drinking the tea.

If you buy this type of gourd, it is highly important that you clean and dry it carefully, especially before the first time you will use it. This process is called curation and it works to remove any type of loose tissue that could make the taste of your tea a bit too bitter. Here is a good example of a traditional gourd that you can check out:

2. The Silver or Alpaca Gourd

Are you having special guests you’d love to impress? This is the perfect yerba mate gourd to do so. The craftsman will create this mate cup by selecting special types of pumpkins and then add metal ornamentation.

The silver decoration could be just in the mate waist or inlaid. The technique requires a lot of work: the craftsmen will design and draw the ornamentation; melt, laminate and forge the metal into shape; and then finish by chiseling and polishing the piece. Here is a fine mate tea cup that you can check out:

3. Wooden Yerba Mate Gourds

Among the types of wood that the artisans would carve and decorate, there could be Algarrobo, Palo Santo, quebracho, and Roble. Depending on its type, the yerba mate that you prepare in such a gourd would acquire a peculiar flavor. For example, wooden gourds made out of Palo Santo can enhance the flavor and give a nice smell to it, so even though you won’t buy it, it is worth to try it at least for once!

Among all the yerba mate gourds, these might be the most fragile. Therefore, it is important to preserve them carefully and prevent them from breaking or accumulating moisture. To do so, you can cure them with butter, oil or bovine fat.

If you do decide to buy one, maybe it’d be better if it’s covered in metal plating. That way you get the best of both worlds: the metal would make them last longer and prevent them from cracking, but the wood would still enhance the flavor. Yummy!

4. The Guampa or Antler Gourd

These gourds are very special since they are made out of bullhorns, but can actually be made from any material (even glass). However, to make the original ones, the craftsmen would burn a piece of horn until they obtain a transparent and smooth product that resembles glass. Then, they will cover them entirely with metal and sometimes add silver details.

This type of gourd is very common in Paraguay to take tereré (cold mate). There is no real reason to prefer this type aside from others unless you’d like to be a little eccentric! Here is an interesting Guampa “Antler-sttyle” Yerba Mate cup that you can check out:

5. Silicone Yerba Mate Gourds – Modern Style

These are the most modern and easy-to-clean gourds (and perfect for beginners since they need very low maintenance compared to natural ones). The silicone material has many advantages: it does not keep bacteria or change the taste of the yerba mate tea. Also, it conserves the heat, and it’s very hard to break. At the same time, these cups are not pretentious, and easy to clean and store.

However, for people accustomed to the classic mate cup shapes, they might be a little uncomfortable to grab, and well… some, more conservative, mate fans frown upon them. That’s because a silicon gourd is different from the traditional natural one. But, at the end of the day, they are very practical for people who live fast a fast-paced modern life and still want to enjoy their hot mate tea. These cups come in a big variety of colors and patterns. See one example here:

6. Glass and Ceramics Mate Gourds

These two types of gourd don’t absorb the taste of the yerba and are, also, very easy to clean. These yerba mate cups are amazing for beginners since you will not have to cure or worry about molding them. They’ll last forever, unless, of course, you drop them, oops!

One good thing about ceramic is that it insulates heat well. One good thing about glass is that they are see-through which, you know, makes it cool to drink from since you can look at what’s happening with the yerba. Here is a beautiful example of ceramic craftmanship that we think you might like:

7. Metal Gourds

These cups are great for everyone since it is a commonly known material. Some of them can warm up from the hot water while others will not conduct heat. It depends on the way they were made. However, just like silicon gourds, they are very easy to clean and you do not need to cure them.

8. Plastic Mate Gourds

Going camping or on a big trip? This is the best type of gourd. Similar to silicone gourds, these ones are good to throw them in your backpack without any worry in the world since they are resistant, light and easy to clean. We still recommend that you check the silicone one above, since that is superior in terms of quality. For instance, if you plan on travelling, you might find a gourd such as this one very handy:

9. Leather Yerba Mate Gourds

Typically, traditional mate cups are made of scooped-up dried fruits. Sometimes the craftsmen cover these gourds in natural leather. The reasoning is that it makes the gourd more durable and practical. Gourds covered in leather this way are more durable and less prone to cracking.

Covering the gourd in leather also acts as a thermal barrier. This keeps mate drinks hot for longer periods allowing you to take your time while you enjoy your hot tea.

Some of these gourds don’t follow the traditional crafting style. Instead, they are made of glass, and then covered in leather. The main advantage of this is that glass doesn’t absorb or alter the taste of the tea in any way, preserving the authentic experience. Also, glass lasts longer than traditional gourds, and it’s easier to clean. Traditional gourds need curing, whereas glass leather gourds are more convenient because they need lower maintenance. Here is a finely crafted example:

In Conclusion

You have to remember, drinking Yerba mate is almost as drinking wine: it is a whole experience, but nobody has the right to tell you which type is better than the other. There is so much variety of gourds that the best one is just the one you like, or the mood you are in, or the purpose you are using it for. Try each one out, get some experience with each type of gourd and decide for yourself!