Choosing the right size for your mate gourd is crucial for an optimal tasting experience. A proper size allows for a perfect infusion of the leaves, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable flavor in every sip.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the different sizes of traditional gourds, with a focus on the 250ml gourd . You’ll learn why this size is often considered ideal for an authentic experience. We’ll also explore the pros and cons of each size.
Learn how to choose the perfect gourd for your mate and optimize each preparation for a consistent and pleasant flavor.
Summary
The size of traditional mate gourds
The mate gourd, used for centuries in South America, is much more than a simple container. It is the symbol of tradition , conviviality and artisanal know-how.
Traditional gourds , often made from dried gourds , wood or ceramic , vary in size and shape, directly influencing the preparation and tasting of mate.
Torpedo alpaca and bronze mate gourd
Common sizes of traditional gourds
Traditional mate gourds come in three main sizes: small, medium and large , each offering specific benefits.
Small Calabash (50-150 ml)
Small gourds are perfect for mate drinkers who prefer individual portions or want to discover mate gently.
They allow an infusion with fewer mate leaves in order to obtain a milder flavor.
However, their small capacity makes the infusion shorter, around 500ml of infusion for 10 to 20g of mate .
Medium Calabash (150-250 ml)
Medium sized gourds are the traditionally used gourds, the perfect compromise between practicality and capacity .
With enough capacity for several infusions, they require fewer refills than small gourds. They are ideal for regular consumption, whether alone or with others.
They can hold around 30g of mate and can infuse around 1L of water .
Large Calabash (250-350 ml)
Large gourds are designed for sharing moments with family or large groups. They allow you to prepare a large quantity of mate in one go (between 40 and 50g).
However, their large capacity (about 330ml) can make the infusion of mate leaves less uniform and requires a greater quantity of mate and water.
We do not recommend these gourds for amateurs who wish to discover the drink.
250ml Camionero Mate Gourd
The 250 ml mate gourd: A traditional choice
Among the available sizes, the 250 ml gourd stands out as the most traditional and functional . This size is often preferred for several reasons:
1. Optimal Preparation
The 250 ml gourd allows you to create the “ montanita ” or well for the infusion of mate leaves while using a recommended amount of about 20 to 30 grams of mate . This ensures a balanced and tasty infusion.
2. Appropriate Volume
A 250 ml gourd offers an ideal grip . This volume is traditionally popular because it allows you to enjoy a perfect amount of infusion and then add water to share with a neighbor.
3. Prevention of Overinfusion
One of the main challenges of preparing mate is avoiding overinfusion , which can make the drink bitter. With a 250 ml gourd, it is easier to consume all the added water before refilling it, thus ensuring a consistent and pleasant flavor .
Iced mate in a gourd by the water
The problems of a 250 ml gourd and the solutions
Need to replenish water frequently
One of the main drawbacks mentioned by some consumers is the need to frequently replenish water . This can be tedious, especially if you don't have a thermos .
Indeed, one might think that a 300 ml gourd would be more practical. However, it is precisely the opposite, the risk is to infuse too much yerba at once or to break the well by infusing all the leaves, which makes the mate very bitter, not recommended, especially when you are a beginner and are not used to the flavor of mate.
Solution: Using our Tempera 2 in 1 Mate Thermos
Our Tempera 2-in-1 mate thermos is the ideal solution to overcome this obstacle. It allows you to have water at the ideal temperature available wherever you are. Refilling water then becomes a formality.
When you regularly drink mate, the thermos is an essential element for a comfortable tasting . The best thing about this thermos? Its cap transforms into a 240 ml gourd, perfect for enjoying a mate wherever you are!
