Drinking Yerba Mate is a whole experience. Not only because of the benefits that you immediately feel, but because the ancient and traditional roots that influence the way of preparing it and, especially, drinking it. Having said that, yerba mate is not yerba mate without the bombilla and all matero (a passionate yerba mate drinker) could say so.

The bombilla is literally translated to straw (and just in case you were wondering, it’s pronounced like bom-BEE-yah), and it helps to drink the warm liquid without the leaves’ powder. This tool contains small holes at its submerged end that allow the brewed liquid in but block the chunky matter that results from having dried, chopped and ground the yerba from the mate.

Mate bombillas come in different shapes, size and materials. Most of them have some degree of curvature, as to avoid the drinker from uncomfortably lowering his head. However, since the whole experience is for you to enjoy it, here are the most common types of yerba mate bombilla to choose for yourself according to its shape and material.

1. Coiled Bombilla For Mate Drinks

The coiled bombilla is the most traditional type in Argentina and it will probably be the first one you bought. It is characterized by its spring shaped filter with a slight opening around the entire coil to keep most yerba out.

This type of bombilla is simple to use and works perfectly for broader cuts of mate such as Nobleza Goucha or Cruz de Malta, which are classical Argentinian brands. It is also known to clog less than other types of bombillas (such as spoon and circle shaped ones) so it is recommended for newbies or drinkers who want a smooth flow.

However, it is not preferred for Paraguayan grounds or brands such as Galaxy and Canarias since its system doesn’t easily allow the more viscous yerbas to pass and, in other cases, tiny pieces of lead can get through the filter.

2. Spoon Mate Bombilla

This is maybe the most widely used bombilla. It resembles a spoon with approximately sixty orifices in both sides. Contrary to coil bombillas, this shape of bombilla goes well with Gaucho Mate or mates that are mostly powder.

It is super thin which makes it easy to slide onto the very bottom of the gourd and drink until the last possible sip. It also helps mold and sculpts the yerba to prevent you from sucking very small particles. Be careful not to scrap your mate with a spoon bombilla since doing so could lead to clogging.

3. Fanned bombilla

Another favorite among newbies, these bombillas are more pressed down than the rest. It has a spade-like head with a series of horizontal slices through which the infusion goes through. One advantage is that its fan-like shape acts like a shovel’s head that enables the drinker to scoop out the yerba.

Moreover, it seems to help clog less than the others which make it easier for first-time drinkers. Finally, some people consider that this bombilla helps them appreciate the taste more as less mate enters the mouth.

4. Circle or Ball Mate Bombillas

This shape of bombilla filters the infusion through small holes like the spoon bombilla, but the filter resembles a small metal globe. One disadvantage is that the orifices in the ball can be too big and the ball can take too much space. Unless it is used for big gourds, this bombilla might not be the best for you.

5. Bent Tip “Pick-Type” Bombilla

It is shaped like one of the dental tools that Dentists use to work on your teeth. It has an acute bend or picks that works like the filter with several horizontal slits across each side of the bombilla, which makes the filtering extremely easy. Moreover, the scrap is good for scraping out the flesh of the calabash gourd during the ripening process or for spooning-out the yerba when you want to change it.

Types Of Bombillas According To The Material They Are Made Of

Having considered these 5 types of bombillas based on their shape, it is important that you also consider the materials for which they are made as they play a role in its duration and price. There are four main types: bamboo, stainless steel, nickel or silver.

Bamboo bombillas are preferred to drink cold mate. They are made from a thin and slightly bent bamboo cane and it’s the most accord with nature besides wooden bombillas. You can make your own by cutting a thin portion of a cane and boring slits into the base to form the filter.

Since this type of bombilla is made from bamboo and not metal, you won’t burn your lips if you drink hot mate. Bamboo does not heat up the same way meal does. These are very unexpansive bombillas, but they might be hard to drink from and tend to clog easily.

Stainless steel bombillas are inexpensive and widely available. They are the market standard since the material is very resistible and don’t rust. Nickel bombillas are also very inexpensive, but they rub off with time and cause allergy to some people.

Finally, silver is the material of preference for luxury bombillas. It is shiny, looks beautiful and lasts almost forever. Many silver bombillas are also combined with gold. In the past, it was believed that gold would kill germs.

Summing Up

In the end, the difference between all these types of bombillas remains in its quality. The flow will depend on the filter. The more effective the filter is, the more likely it is to clog up. When choosing one, pay attention to the distance in which the holes are placed. If they are too far, some infusion will remain at the bottom of the gourd.

Keep also in mind that the bombilla do not affect the nutrient or flavor content of the yerba mate. You can either drink the infusion without having a bombilla and make it the same way as you would with most teas or prepare it in a coffee maker or French press. And if all that fails, it is always possible to buy yerba mate tea bags instead of loose leaf. But keep in mind that real materos, use real bombillas!